Human Resources Manager

ProspectBlue is working with an established organization in the Richmond, VA area to identify an experienced Bilingual Benefits & Human Resources Manager. Must speak English and Spanish fluently. This individual will be responsible for managing and enhancing the company's employee benefits, leave administration, and accommodation programs across multiple business entities and states.

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced HR professional to initially take ownership of day-to-day benefits and leave operations while helping establish the infrastructure for a growing department. As the organization evolves, the individual will have the opportunity to develop and lead a dedicated Benefits and Leave team.

Reporting in close partnership with the HR Director, the Benefits Manager will serve as a key resource for employees and management on benefit-related matters, leave policies, and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include developing benefits strategies, coordinating annual renewals and enrollment activities, managing third-party administrators and insurance partners, and ensuring compliance with applicable employment legislation.

The position will also work alongside the Safety department to coordinate workplace injury claims, workers' compensation matters, transitional duty assignments, and employee return-to-work efforts.

In addition to managing these specialized functions, this role will remain actively involved in the execution and delivery of broader HR initiatives and operational responsibilities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following responsibilities represent the primary functions associated with this position. Additional duties may be assigned as business needs and organizational priorities evolve.

Employee Benefits Administration & Strategy

• Direct the day-to-day administration of employee benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, HSA, supplemental coverage, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and applicable leave programs.
• Coordinate the annual benefits renewal cycle and employee enrollment process, evaluating plan options, financial considerations, and proposed changes in collaboration with the HR Director and external consultants.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of employee benefit elections, qualifying life changes, COBRA administration, payroll contributions, and vendor invoices.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for insurance carriers, brokers, benefit administrators, and other external service providers, addressing service concerns and monitoring overall performance.
• Evaluate benefit utilization, premium expenses, claims information, and vendor services to identify opportunities for improved coverage, efficiency, and cost management.
• Create and distribute benefit-related announcements, employee resources, compliance notifications, and management reports.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen existing benefit offerings and improve the overall employee experience.

Leave Administration, Employee Accommodations & Workplace Claims

• Manage employee leave programs, including federal and state family and medical leave, short-term and long-term disability, parental leave, and other company-approved absences.
• Evaluate leave requests, determine eligibility, coordinate required documentation, issue applicable notices, and monitor leave timelines and employee status.
• Oversee the reasonable accommodation process under the ADA and PWFA, including communication with employees and managers throughout the interactive process.
• Coordinate with the Safety team regarding workplace injuries, workers' compensation claims, job modifications, protected leave, and successful employee reintegration following an absence.
• Establish consistent procedures for handling leave requests, medical documentation, accommodation records, and related employee communications.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and leadership on leave-related responsibilities while ensuring sensitive employee and medical information remains appropriately protected.

Department Growth & Leadership

• Develop standardized workflows, operating procedures, tracking systems, and performance measures to support an effective and scalable benefits function.
• Establish the foundation for future departmental expansion by identifying operational gaps, service needs, and potential staffing requirements.
• As the department grows, take responsibility for recruiting and onboarding team members, providing ongoing development, and managing performance.
• Promote accountability, consistency, and responsive service delivery through clear expectations and departmental standards.

Regulatory Compliance & General HR Support

• Coordinate required retirement plan compliance activities, including annual testing, audits, Form 5500 preparation and filing, and related documentation.
• Manage applicable ACA and EEOC reporting obligations and other regula