Application Guide

How to Apply for Benefits and Wellbeing Manager

at Woodard & Curran

๐Ÿข About Woodard & Curran

Woodard & Curran is a mission-driven engineering and consulting firm focused on sustainable water and environmental solutions. If you're passionate about making a tangible impact on the planet while working in a collaborative, employee-owned culture, this is a place where your work directly contributes to a healthier environment.

About This Role

As Benefits and Wellbeing Manager, you'll lead the design and administration of comprehensive benefit programs while championing a culture of wellbeing across the organization. This role is pivotal in attracting and retaining top talent by ensuring employees feel supported through competitive benefits and a holistic approach to health.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing vendor reports and claims data to analyze plan performance, followed by a team stand-up to prioritize open enrollment preparations. You could then meet with HR business partners to discuss employee feedback on benefits, and spend the afternoon researching new wellbeing initiatives or preparing compliance filings.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Woodard & Curran Is Looking For

  • Experienced benefits professional with 8-10 years of progressive experience, including managing self-insured health plans and retirement programs.
  • Strategic thinker who can design and execute wellbeing initiatives that align with company values and foster an inclusive culture.
  • Strong communicator and leader, capable of managing a team and collaborating with HR and executive stakeholders.
  • Analytical and detail-oriented, with advanced Excel skills and deep knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and other compliance requirements.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Woodard & Curran

1

Highlight any experience with self-insured plans, as this is preferred and critical for managing risk and cost.

2

Quantify your achievements in benefits management, such as cost savings, improved employee satisfaction scores, or successful wellness program participation rates.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership of a benefits team and cross-functional collaboration with HR and finance.

4

Mention any CEBS certification or progress toward it, as it's preferred and shows commitment to the field.

5

Research Woodard & Curran's employee-owned structure and sustainability mission, and weave that into your cover letter to show cultural fit.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express passion for environmental sustainability and how your benefits expertise can support a mission-driven workforce.', 'Demonstrate experience managing self-insured plans and compliance with state/federal laws.', 'Showcase your ability to lead a team and drive strategic wellbeing initiatives that improve employee health and engagement.', 'Highlight your analytical skills in using data to optimize benefit programs and control costs.']

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Understand Woodard & Curran's employee-owned structure and how it shapes company culture and benefits philosophy.
  • โ†’ Review their recent sustainability projects and client work to understand the company's impact and values.
  • โ†’ Look into their current wellbeing initiatives or any public information about their benefits offerings to identify gaps or opportunities.
  • โ†’ Read about their DEI efforts and how benefits can support an inclusive workplace.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a wellbeing program that aligns with a company focused on environmental health?
2 Describe your experience managing a self-insured health plan and strategies you've used to control costs.
3 How do you stay current with changing benefits regulations, and how have you ensured compliance in past roles?
4 Tell us about a time you led a team through a major benefits change, such as open enrollment or plan redesign.
5 How would you measure the success of a benefits program beyond cost? What metrics would you track?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus only on administrative tasks; emphasize strategic thinking and leadership.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'benefits management' without specifics about self-insured plans or compliance.
  • Don't neglect to mention your experience with wellbeing programsโ€”this is a key part of the role title.

๐Ÿ“… Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Woodard & Curran!