Benefits Manager

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are adding a Benefits Manager to our growing Human Resource division in Seattle, Washington. The HR Operations Benefits Manager is responsible for participating in the strategic design of McKinstry benefit programs. They will be responsible for implementation, and day-to-day administration of the company's benefits programs to ensure they are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and aligned with company objectives. This role serves as both a strategic partner to HR leadership in shaping total rewards programs and an operational expert managing the execution, compliance, and employee experience of benefits programs. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and vendor management skills with a people-first mindset, ensuring benefits meet diverse workforce needs and support talent attraction, retention, and engagement.

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with HR leadership to design and evolve a comprehensive benefits strategy that aligns with company goals, culture, and employee value proposition.
• Evaluate benchmarking and market data to ensure programs remain competitive, equitable, and cost-effective.
• Work with the Total Rewards Director and HR Ops Director on benefits plan design, wellness initiatives, retirement programs, and emerging trends in total rewards.
• Actively participate in annual benefits planning, renewal strategy, and open enrollment design.

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day administration of all benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, leaves of absence, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits.
• Ensure accurate and timely benefits data management, compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and state-specific regulations.
• Manage benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators, ensuring service level agreements and employee experience standards are met.
• Drive continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency, automation, and employee self-service.
• Lead the design and execution of annual Open Enrollment, including system configuration, employee communications, and vendor coordination.

Employee Experience & Communication

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and managers on benefits policies, programs, and leaves of absence and accommodations.
• Develop and deliver clear, engaging communication materials to promote understanding and utilization of benefits programs.
• Champion employee well-being initiatives (physical, mental, financial) and foster a culture of wellness.
• Partner with HRBPs to support employee relations cases and escalations related to benefits and leaves.

Analytics & Compliance

• Monitor benefits trends, utilization data, and program effectiveness, providing insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws; oversee annual filings (e.g., 5500s, nondiscrimination testing).
• Maintain plan documents, policies, and employee-facing resources.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; CEBS, PHR/SPHR, or Certified Leave Management Specialist preferred.

• 7+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration and strategy, including at least 2 years in a managerial or lead role.

• Demonstrated experience managing benefit programs for a company of similar size and complexity (1,000-5,000 employees).

• Strong project management experience required.

• Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, state leave laws, and other regulatory requirements.

• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships.

• Strong analytical and financial acumen.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to translate complex benefits concepts into clear, employee-friendly messages.

• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution.

• Experience with Reference Based Pricing strongly desired.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• "Building Good" paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $110,790 - $190,700 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.