Human Resources Benefits Manager

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Human Resources/Benefits Manager located in the Baton Rouge, LA. The primary responsibilities include managing employee benefits programs, overseeing benefits administration, ensuring compliance with employment regulations such as the U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and developing compensation and benefits strategies. The role also involves providing guidance to employees on benefits-related matters and collaborating with the HR team to support organizational goals.

• Manage all employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and supplemental benefits.
• Lead annual open enrollment, including planning, communication, system setup, and employee support.
• Serve as primary liaison with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Review and reconcile benefits invoices; coordinate with Accounting for timely payments.
• Maintain ACA compliance and track eligibility for hourly and salaried employees.

• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and the specific employment laws in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, including wage and hour rules, minor labor laws, and restaurant-specific labor and safety requirements.
• Maintain and update employee handbooks, HR policies, and internal procedures for multi-state use.
• Monitor changes in state and federal regulations and recommend policy updates as needed.
• Maintain accurate and compliant HR documentation and records.

• Administer FMLA, ADA accommodations, personal leave, and other company leave policies.
• Coordinate documentation, eligibility tracking, communication with employees, and return-to-work processes.
• Partner with managers to ensure appropriate scheduling and coverage during leaves.

• Provide coaching and HR guidance to district managers and restaurant-level supervisors on performance management, corrective action, attendance issues, and policy interpretation.
• Assist with internal investigations, employee complaints, and resolution of sensitive workplace issues.
• Support culture, engagement, and retention initiatives across all restaurant locations.

• Oversee the onboarding process, ensuring compliance with I-9, E-Verify, background checks, and payroll/HRIS data accuracy.
• Partner closely with Payroll to ensure seamless data flow and timely resolution of payroll-related issues.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to increase HR efficiency in a high-volume, multi-location environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of HR experience, including benefits administration
• Experience supporting a large hourly workforce
• Strong working knowledge of employment laws, particularly in AL, MS, and LA
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage high-volume tasks and support multiple locations

• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems
• Experience with multi-state HR support

• Confidentiality & Integrity
• Attention to Detail
• Problem-Solving
• Strong Communication Skills
• Multi-Tasking in a Fast-Paced Environment
• Customer (Employee) Service Focus
• Team Player

• Salary commensurate with experience
• 70% company paid Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• 100% company paid Life and Disability Insurance
• FSA options available
• 401(k) match up to 6% of salary
• Eligible for Christmas Bonus program

Mid-Senior level

Full-time

Human Resources

Restaurants