About Us
Recently, EQ Office ("EQ"), ShopCore Properties ("ShopCore"), and Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (ROIC) combined to create a best-in-class, diversified real estate operating platform focused on office and retail assets. As a Blackstone operating company, the organization supports a team of over 250 professionals with expertise across acquisitions, asset management, leasing, development, and property management. The company operates approximately 15 million square feet of commercial office space and nearly 20 million square feet of retail centers. Both portfolios span 45 U.S. markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland.
The company fosters a collaborative culture built on the principle of OneTeam. This means individuals work together across teams, functions, and time zones to achieve shared goals. OneTeam is the desire to be part of something bigger than yourself – and striving to find greater purpose. The company creates a more innovative and fulfilling environment by sharing best practices and focusing on driving a positive impact for employees, customers, and communities.
Role Summary
The Manager, Benefits will serve as the employee facing, subject matter expert for all benefits plans and programs in support of this newly combined organization and will work in close partnership with colleagues at Revantage, our partners at the portfolio company, benefits service providers and technology partners. They will collaborate with the People and Culture team to ensure the benefits package meets employee's needs and the strategic direction of the business.
This role reports to Director, People & Culture and is based in the office, 5 days a week.
Essential Job Functions
Employee Benefits Administration:
· Develop and administer comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other fringe benefits. Synthesize current offerings, create perspective on potential changes or enhancements and present to leadership.
· Collaborate with vendors, brokers, and consultants to negotiate and secure competitive benefit offerings. Manage renewal and updates to plans and plan docs.
· Ensure timely enrollment, eligibility verification, and accurate record-keeping for all benefit plans.
· Negotiate contracts and work closely with legal teams to ensure agreements align with organizational requirements and protect the company's interests.
· Monitor benefits claims, utilization and pro-actively design strategies and make recommendations on where to enhance, scale back or incorporate flexibility into current programs.
· Administer any ad-hoc benefits specific to the portfolio company (such as ArmadaCare).
· Conduct thorough evaluations of vendor proposals, considering factors such as cost, service quality, capabilities, and compatibility with existing systems.
· Accountable for understanding and providing perspective on any monthly vendor billings.
Benefits Liaison
· Understand benefit priorities and service levels and ensure appropriately translated and maintained with Revantage.
· Collaborate on creative system solutions or benefit enhancements as needed.
· Thought partner on overall benefits trends and creation of new policy inception and launch.
· Translate any specific benefits needs into payroll and technology via Workday, working together to establish timelines.
Benefits Communication:
· Draft or update off the shelf comms from Revantage to specific populations about benefit updates, issues, reminders, etc.
· Educate employees on available benefits, resolve inquiries, and provide assistance during open enrollment periods.
· Update materials, Open Enrollment brochures, recruiting collateral and benefits orientation. The successful candidate will also deliver the benefits orientation presentation to new hires.
· Collaborate with Director of Compensation on feasibility of Total Rewards statements.
Employee Support:
· Responsible for all benefits tickets submitted via Workday from portfolio company employees.
· Handle all employee leaves of absence.
· Identify trends and themes from employee interactions on how to proactively promote benefits and educate employees on usage.
· Collaborate with HR technology team to implement system upgrades, enhancements, and integrations.
· Partner with HR technology and IT teams to troubleshoot and resolve system issues, perform data analysis, and generate reports as needed.
· Identify opportunities to streamline processes and maximize system capabilities to improve overall efficiency.
· Partner with HRBPs in portfolio company on employee relations issues related to leave, FMLA, accommodations.
· Handle all rush COBRA packets.
M&A Support:
· Analysis of incoming plans and how we would incorporate them into portfolio company plans.
· Wind-down of legacy plans.
· Interruption analysis and high-touch processing of special situations (continuation of care for critical illnesses, pharmacy or provider disruption, application/credit for deductibles).
Executive Consultation:
· Provide high level analysis of results of current plan design, costs and perceived benefit to employees ad hoc and at times of renewal.
· Work with HR team and Legal on enterprise issues related to current or previous benefits.
· Lens of inclusivity with regards to needs of entire employee population and pro-active solutions.
Compliance and Reporting:
· Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits
· Prepare and submit required reports, filings, and audits in a timely and accurate manner.
· Monitor industry trends and best practices to proactively address compliance risks.
Qualifications and Technical Competencies
· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
· Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus.
· Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in Benefits roles.
· Knowledge of performance management systems, employee development practices, onboarding processes, and engagement strategies.
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
· Demonstrated ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.
· Experience with HR Information Systems (HRIS), Workday is preferred.
· Resourceful and highly self-motivated.
· High level of integrity and confidentiality.
· Advanced knowledge of Excel, knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
· Self-motivated, exceptional communicator with the ability to be flexible in fast-paced, changing environments
· Knowledge of federal and state regulations including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, IRS Regulations, ACA, and FMLA
· Collaborative open approach to work with various other team members
· Excellent people skills with a focus on solutions to deliver the best service possible
· Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
Preferred:
· Experience working in shared service environment or with outsourced service providers
Benefits & Compensation
Benefits: The Company provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, retirement savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Closing
EEO Statement
Our company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our employment decisions are based on individual qualifications, job requirements and business needs without regard to race, color, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, religion, disability, citizenship status, national origin, pregnancy, veteran status and or any other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations, if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please email recruiting@eqoffice.com.
