Group Manager, Benefits

THE COMPANY:The Sports Authority, Inc. is headquartered in Englewood, CO and is the largest full-line sporting goods retailer in the United States. The company operates 400 stores in 47 states and generated revenue of approximately $2.7 billion in fiscal 2004.
MANAGEMENT & REPORTING STRUCTURE:The Benefits Sr. Analyst, Analyst and Coordinator positions will report directly to the Group Manager of Benefits in the Human Resources Department. The Group Manager of Benefits will report directly to the Director of Total Rewards.POSITION DESCRIPTION:Works with the Director of Total Rewards to design, develop, communicate and implement all associate benefit programs for the Company. Recommends and proposes changes to ensure the organizationâ??s objectives and competitive position in the marketplace are met. Develops strategies and programs that support the companyâ??s strategic goals in a cost-effective manner. Assures plans are in compliance with legal and ERISA requirements. Manages carrier, benefit consultant, and third party administrator relationships.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Aligns the companyâ??s people and business strategies, objectives and competitive market position.

Oversees the design and administration of employee benefit programs, including retirement plans (IRS qualified and non-qualified), health (medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program) and welfare (life and disability) plans, and other ancillary benefit offerings (educational tuition reimbursement, service awards and paid time off policies.

Develops and recommends plan designs for new or existing plans and recommends cost-containment and cost sharing structures to senior management to maintain an appropriate level of benefits as compared to established competitive landscape.

Develops creative strategies to communicate and educate benefits programs to management and associates.

Plans and collaborates with HRIS and Payroll to support Benefit Plan Design.
Oversees the development of employee benefit communications and promotional programs including evaluation and updating of Plan Documents and Summary Plan Descriptions, benefit enrollment packets, open enrollment materials, and ongoing marketing/educational materials.
Reviews and assesses efficiency of internal/external procedures and processes and recommends appropriate changes.
Manages vendor relationships including contract review/approval and performance related issues.

Oversees and ensures compliance with legal and ERISA requirements, including annual IRS filings and revisions to and distribution of Summary Plan Descriptions, Summary Material Modifications and Summary Annual Reports.
Develops and monitors budgets for existing and proposed benefit offerings.

Provides Director, Total Rewards with recommended Benefits budget; including ongoing review and analysis of monthly financial reports to ensure compliance to budget.

Prepares and provides Retirement Plans Fiduciary Committee with information and recommendation for review throughout their decision-making process.BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsible for budget development, expense control and/or revenue generation for a department as well as major budgetary and financial responsibility regarding company benefit programs.
Monitors daily benefit plan funding and reports to Finance Team any significant amounts/fluctuations.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelorâ??s degree in business or human resources or equivalent relevant experience.

5-8 years experience in benefits management and administration, including 401k with at least 4 years experience in supervision of others.

Demonstrated strategic experience in creating alternative compensation solutions.

Strong management skills that encourage growth and accountability of team members.

Financial aptitude, analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Proven project management and organizational skills as well as excellent process management skills.

Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with management and executive leadership.

Ability to compose reports, policy or procedure manuals and proposals.

Expert at MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access. Visio and/or Org Plus software knowledge a plus.

Ability to improve existing systems and procedures as well as develop innovative ideas and solutions.

Ability to positively collaborate with internal departments as well as build and/or maintain these relationships.

Practical knowledge and application of benefit programs and regulations, employment and other applicable laws.

Knowledge of Lawson helpful.We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
REQUIREMENTS
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelorâ??s degree in business or human resources or equivalent relevant experience.

5-8 years experience in benefits management and administration, including 401k with at least 4 years experience in supervision of others.

Demonstrated strategic experience in creating alternative compensation solutions.

Strong management skills that encourage growth and accountability of team members.

Financial aptitude, analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Proven project management and organizational skills as well as excellent process management skills.

Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with management and executive leadership.

Ability to compose reports, policy or procedure manuals and proposals.

Expert at MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access. Visio and/or Org Plus software knowledge a plus.

Ability to improve existing systems and procedures as well as develop innovative ideas and solutions.

Ability to positively collaborate with internal departments as well as build and/or maintain these relationships.

Practical knowledge and application of benefit programs and regulations, employment and other applicable laws.

Knowledge of Lawson helpful.