Dechert LLP · 6 days ago
Benefits Manager
Philadelphia, PA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expDechert LLP is a global law firm seeking a Benefits Manager responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and administering global benefits plans and programs. The role involves ensuring compliance with legal requirements, managing vendor relationships, and leading wellness initiatives while providing guidance to the benefits team.
AdviceConsultingLaw EnforcementLegal
Responsibilities
Administer Global employee benefits programs such as retirement plans; medical, dental, vision plans; life insurance plans; temporary disability programs; and wellness programs
Serve as the primary global benefits contact, frequently interacting with Partners, Chiefs, Associates, and Business Services Professionals (BSP)
Act as a team lead to the Benefits Specialists, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback
Offer backup support and coverage for the Associate Director of Global Benefits as needed
Develop and implement best practices to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of benefit programs and processes
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure seamless benefit operations globally
Evaluate and compare existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information
Participate in industry surveys
Analyze results of surveys and develop specific recommendations for review by management
Manage a high volume of daily inquiries and requests, delivering a customer-focused experience to all stakeholders
Handle benefits inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution
Maintain contact by phone or mail, with insurance companies, employees, and beneficiaries to facilitate
Expedites delivery of benefits by establishing and maintaining working relationships with benefit providers
Contributes to team’s goals
Lead the strategic design and implementation of firmwide wellness and well-being initiatives, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health for all employees
Collaborate with cross-functional partners (e.g., HR, Talent Development) to tailor programs that align with firm values and address diverse employee needs
Develop metrics and reporting to monitor, evaluate, and continually refine the effectiveness of wellness programs, ensuring measurable impact
Organize and facilitate engaging workshops, seminars, and events that promote healthy behaviors, work-life balance, and stress management
Produce quarterly newsletters and other communications to keep employees informed about available resources and upcoming wellness activities
Serve as the primary point of contact for external wellness vendors and third-party providers, negotiating contracts and monitoring service delivery
Champion a culture of well-being by actively promoting firm-led awareness campaigns, mental health resources, and preventative health strategies
Develop specifications for new plans or modify existing plans to maintain a competitive position in the labor market, and obtain uniform benefits package for all locations, where possible
Recommend classes of eligible employees for new or modified plans
Develop census data and work with consultants for quotations
Evaluates quotation and makes recommendations to management
Develop company cost information for new plans and make recommendations to management
Install approved new plans or changes to existing plans by preparing announcement materials, plan summary documents and other media for communicating plans to employees
Conduct employee meetings and arrange for enrollment
Advise and counsel management and employees on existing benefits
Prepare with legal consultation, benefits documentation, such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies
Instruct insurance carriers, trustees, and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefits program
Ensure prompt and accurate compliance
Assure company compliance with provisions of Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Affordable Care Act
Oversee the preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies, such as Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, and other regulatory agencies
Review and analyze changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits, and report necessary or suggested changes to management
Coordinate company benefits with government-sponsored programs
Develop benefits information and statistical and census data for actuaries, insurance carriers and management
Reconciles benefits accounts by approving billing statements
Achieves financial objectives by preparing the benefits and department operational budgets; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions
Prepares special reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends
Performs any and all other duties as necessary and/or assigned by management for the efficient functioning of the department
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, including global benefits strategy and implementation
Extensive working knowledge of global benefits programs, including design, compliance, and administration across multiple jurisdictions
Deep understanding of regulatory environments, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and international benefits regulations
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); intermediate Access skills
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision-making
Proven organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage complex projects, multiple priorities, and tight deadlines
Advanced project management expertise, including leadership of cross-functional and global initiatives
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion
Demonstrated ability to make timely, strategic decisions in a fast-paced environment
Strong business acumen, including planning, organizing, decision-making, and achieving results aligned with customer and business needs
Demonstrated ability as a team lead of Benefit Specialists and the ability to provide support and backup to Benefit management
Broad and deep understanding of industry trends, competitor practices, and emerging global benefits strategies
Operates independently to achieve long-term goals and targets, while fostering collaboration across teams
Preferred
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Benefit Professional (CBP) preferred
Manager experience preferred
Experience at a large global law firm strongly preferred
Intermediate Access skills preferred
Workday experience preferred
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision plans
Life insurance plans
Temporary disability programs
Wellness programs
Company
Dechert LLP
Dechert is the law firm that helps business leaders lead.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Alison Nina Bernard
Chief Talent and Human Resources Officer
Dean Collins
Partner
Recent News
2026-01-16
Crain's New York Business
2026-01-16
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