Green Thumb Industries
The Role
Green Thumb is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to join our Total Rewards team. This role will work closely with the Director of Benefits on a wide range of strategic initiatives and projects while overseeing and providing direct supervision and guidance to a Benefits Specialist and managing the day-to-day administration of our comprehensive employee benefits programs with a high level of accuracy. The position ensures full compliance with all state and federal regulations including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA and FMLA and serves as a subject matter expert within the benefits function. The successful candidate will serve as the primary point of contact for all benefits-related inquiries, and play a critical role in supporting our employees in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities Management & Strategic Collaboration
* Partner closely with the Director of Benefits on strategic initiatives, program development, and organizational benefits objectives
* Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to Benefits Specialist. Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and support career development.
* Lead cross-functional project teams and collaborate on benefits-related projects spanning multiple departments
* Drive process improvements and operational excellence within the benefits function
* Serve as escalation point for complex benefits issues and vendor management relationships
Benefits Administration
* Partner with Director of Benefits to design, implement, and manage comprehensive employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans
* Partner with benefits vendors and broker to negotiate contracts, evaluate plan options, and ensure competitive offerings
* Oversee annual open enrollment process, including communication strategies, system updates, and employee education
* Conduct regular benefits plan analysis and cost management to optimize value for both employees and the organization
* Maintain accurate benefits records, monitor/maintain/update vendor file feeds and ensure seamless integration with HRIS system
Compliance Management
* Ensure full compliance with federal benefits regulations including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA and all applicable state and local laws * Stay current with evolving cannabis industry regulations and their impact on employee benefits
* Prepare and file required regulatory reports and documentation
* Monitor all federal, state and local regulatory benefits/paid leave/sick leave updates and ensure timely, appropriate action is taken to ensure compliance * Conduct regular compliance audits and implement corrective measures as needed
* Collaborate with legal counsel on benefits-related compliance matters
ACA Compliance
* Partner with ACA vendor to monitor and maintain ACA compliance including affordability calculations, minimum value determinations, and reporting requirements
* Prepare and file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C annually
* Track employee eligibility and ensure proper enrollment processes
* Manage ACA penalty risk and optimization strategies
ERISA Administration
* Oversee ERISA plan administration including plan documents, summary plan descriptions, annual reporting and all related required participant notifications
* Ensure proper fiduciary responsibilities are met for retirement and welfare benefit plans
* Coordinate with third-party administrators to ensure timely Form 5500 filing
* Monitor 401(k) deferral changes to ensure accurate employee contributions
* Oversee all non-discrimination testing and take required corrective action Employee Communication & Support
* Serve as primary benefits subject matter expert for employees and management
* Develop and deliver benefits education programs and materials
* Resolve complex benefits issues and escalations
* Support total rewards communication strategies
Leave of Absence Support
Support Leave of Absence Manager as needed to:
* Administer all leave programs including FMLA, ADA, state family/medical leave and workers' compensation
* Partner with leave team, HR partners, employees and managers to facilitate smooth leave transitions and return-to-work processes
* Ensure proper documentation, certification, and compliance with all applicable leave laws
* Maintain confidential leave records and coordinate benefits continuation/premiums owed
Qualifications Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience preferred
* 5+ years of large-employer (1000+ variable hour employees), progressive benefits administration experience
* 2+ years of supervisory or management experience
* Strong knowledge of state and federal benefits regulations (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA)
* Experience with benefits compliance testing, auditing and reporting
* Proficiency with HRIS systems, benefits administration platforms and vendor file management
* Experience managing vendor relationships
* Knowledge of state-specific benefits and leave laws
* Advanced data aptitude and attention to detail with advanced Excel capabilities
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
* Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
* Demonstrated ability to coach and develop team members
Preferred Qualifications
* Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar professional certification * Experience in cannabis industry or other highly regulated industry * Project management experience
Additional Requirements
Must passany and allrequired background checks
Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
The pay range is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, and/or location of the role. Positions may be eligible for a discretionary annual incentive program driven by organization and individual performance. Green Thumb Pay Range
$100,000—$115,000 USD
Responsibilities Management & Strategic Collaboration
* Partner closely with the Director of Benefits on strategic initiatives, program development, and organizational benefits objectives
* Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to Benefits Specialist. Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and support career development.
* Lead cross-functional project teams and collaborate on benefits-related projects spanning multiple departments
* Drive process improvements and operational excellence within the benefits function
* Serve as escalation point for complex benefits issues and vendor management relationships
Benefits Administration
* Partner with Director of Benefits to design, implement, and manage comprehensive employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans
* Partner with benefits vendors and broker to negotiate contracts, evaluate plan options, and ensure competitive offerings
* Oversee annual open enrollment process, including communication strategies, system updates, and employee education
* Conduct regular benefits plan analysis and cost management to optimize value for both employees and the organization
* Maintain accurate benefits records, monitor/maintain/update vendor file feeds and ensure seamless integration with HRIS system
Compliance Management
* Ensure full compliance with federal benefits regulations including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA and all applicable state and local laws * Stay current with evolving cannabis industry regulations and their impact on employee benefits
* Prepare and file required regulatory reports and documentation
* Monitor all federal, state and local regulatory benefits/paid leave/sick leave updates and ensure timely, appropriate action is taken to ensure compliance * Conduct regular compliance audits and implement corrective measures as needed
* Collaborate with legal counsel on benefits-related compliance matters
ACA Compliance
* Partner with ACA vendor to monitor and maintain ACA compliance including affordability calculations, minimum value determinations, and reporting requirements
* Prepare and file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C annually
* Track employee eligibility and ensure proper enrollment processes
* Manage ACA penalty risk and optimization strategies
ERISA Administration
* Oversee ERISA plan administration including plan documents, summary plan descriptions, annual reporting and all related required participant notifications
* Ensure proper fiduciary responsibilities are met for retirement and welfare benefit plans
* Coordinate with third-party administrators to ensure timely Form 5500 filing
* Monitor 401(k) deferral changes to ensure accurate employee contributions
* Oversee all non-discrimination testing and take required corrective action Employee Communication & Support
* Serve as primary benefits subject matter expert for employees and management
* Develop and deliver benefits education programs and materials
* Resolve complex benefits issues and escalations
* Support total rewards communication strategies
Leave of Absence Support
Support Leave of Absence Manager as needed to:
* Administer all leave programs including FMLA, ADA, state family/medical leave and workers' compensation
* Partner with leave team, HR partners, employees and managers to facilitate smooth leave transitions and return-to-work processes
* Ensure proper documentation, certification, and compliance with all applicable leave laws
* Maintain confidential leave records and coordinate benefits continuation/premiums owed
Qualifications Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience preferred
* 5+ years of large-employer (1000+ variable hour employees), progressive benefits administration experience
* 2+ years of supervisory or management experience
* Strong knowledge of state and federal benefits regulations (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA)
* Experience with benefits compliance testing, auditing and reporting
* Proficiency with HRIS systems, benefits administration platforms and vendor file management
* Experience managing vendor relationships
* Knowledge of state-specific benefits and leave laws
* Advanced data aptitude and attention to detail with advanced Excel capabilities
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
* Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
* Demonstrated ability to coach and develop team members
Preferred Qualifications
* Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar professional certification * Experience in cannabis industry or other highly regulated industry * Project management experience
Additional Requirements
Must passany and allrequired background checks
Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
The pay range is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, and/or location of the role. Positions may be eligible for a discretionary annual incentive program driven by organization and individual performance. Green Thumb Pay Range
$100,000—$115,000 USD