Megan Ornstein
Bayville,NJ
Summary
Highly accomplished Human Resources professional with 23 years of experience, including deep expertise in benefits and pension administration. Proven ability to manage and optimize health and welfare programs while supporting broader HR functions such as employee relations, compliance, and workforce support. Experienced in overseeing multimillion-dollar benefit plans and partnering with cross-functional teams, vendors, and leadership to deliver effective, employee-centered solutions. A strategic and results-driven professional with a strong focus on employee experience, engagement, and well-being. Skilled in navigating complex HR matters, resolving employee inquiries, and delivering training that promotes understanding and compliance. Recognized for implementing process improvements and initiatives that enhance both operational efficiency and overall workforce satisfaction.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Benefits Manager, Health & Welfare & Leave of Absence
Skanska
Parsippany, NJ
09.2024 - Current
- Oversee health & welfare benefits for 6,800 employees with an $85M budget, including renewals, vendor management, billing, and cost control
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA) across multi-state operations
- Administer leave of absence programs across 39 states while providing comprehensive employee support
- Lead complex employee relations matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, and consistent policy application
- Analyze benefits data to drive program improvements, cost savings, and informed decision-making
- Lead benefits communications, training, and wellness initiatives to enhance employee experience and engagement
- Drive cross-functional projects and deliver clear, effective communication to diverse stakeholders
Rewards Manager
Maersk
Florham Park, NJ
09.2022 - 09.2024
- Oversee health and welfare benefits for 9,700 employees, managing a $110M annual budget, including billing, cost reconciliation, and financial oversight
- Lead vendor management and RFP processes to ensure competitive pricing, service quality, and optimal plan performance
- Develop and execute benefits strategy and wellness initiatives to enhance employee engagement and well-being
- Partner with acquisition and integration teams to onboard and transition employees seamlessly, ensuring smooth benefits enrollment
- Lead annual enrollment strategy and execution, achieving high participation and strong employee satisfaction
- Facilitate quarterly leadership and stakeholder meetings to present updates, align strategy, and drive continuous improvement
- Resolve escalated employee issues across multiple channels with a focus on timely, effective resolution
- Deliver employee education, onboarding, and training programs to improve understanding of benefits and processes
- Train and support new team members on policies, procedures, and best practices to strengthen team performance
Benefits Specialist
Howell Township Board Of Education
10.2012 - 09.2022
- Oversee all district benefits including medical, prescription, dental, disability, FSA, pension retirement plans (TPAF, PERS, DCRP), 403Bs and long term care.
- Administered the delivery of employee benefits and pension (e.g. enrollment, consultation, costs, terminations, changes, open enrollment, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate eligibility and payment information in compliance with contract provisions.
- Analyzed benefit program costs, trends and enhancements.
- Documented and maintained administrative procedures for all benefit processes.
- Manage district wide active workers compensation claims; deliver provisions of workers compensation benefits for the purpose of ensuring services are appropriately provided, costs are at a reasonable level; EMR 0.7%
- Process and reconcile all deductions in payroll. Preparing deduction/contribution reports for each payroll.
- COBRA administration
- Conduct background checks and reference verifications for prospective employees
- Administer FMLA leave process and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws
- Maintain OSHA logs, oversaw workplace safety reporting and compliance initiatives
- Verifying accuracy of payroll, personnel and employee data
- Manage and reconcile all
Health, Program, Executive and Government Appeals Analyst
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield
01.2008 - 10.2012
- Responsibilities included identifying, investigating and resolving member and provider appeals
- This position prepares appeals cases for the Member Appeals Committee - Benefit Issues Committee (MAC-BIC), the State Health Benefit Commission cases and Legal cases in litigation
- Additionally, this position investigates and responses to Executive and Department of Banking and Insurance complaints
- This position also proactively educates members and/or providers on the appeal process in accordance with contractual guidelines.
Self Employed Insurance Agent
09.2005 - 12.2007
Store Manager
Victoria Secret
04.2003 - 09.2005
- Manage full cycle recruitment including interviewing, hiring and onboarding
- Conduct background checks and reference verifications for prospective employees
- Inventory Control
- Managing labor hours and budget
- Maintaining Visual merchandising standards
- Demonstrating and leading company policy and procedures
- Business Analysis and Projection reporting
- General management of associates
Skills
- Benefits Strategy & Administration (Health & Welfare, COBRA, Pension)
- HR Operations & Full-Cycle Support
- Compliance & Employment Law (ERISA, ADA, OSHA, Workers’ Compensation)
- Employee & Labor Relations (Union Coordination, Escalation Resolution)
- Leave & Accommodation Management (LOA, ADA)
- Vendor Management, Budget Oversight & Billing/Reconciliation
- Policy Interpretation & Implementation
Technical Skills
ADP, Edmunds, Microsoft Suite, Systems 300, EPIC, Oracle HCM, MBOS, JDE Edwards
Timeline
Benefits Manager, Health & Welfare & Leave of Absence
Skanska
09.2024 - Current
Rewards Manager
Maersk
09.2022 - 09.2024
Benefits Specialist
Howell Township Board Of Education
10.2012 - 09.2022
Health, Program, Executive and Government Appeals Analyst
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield
01.2008 - 10.2012
Self Employed Insurance Agent
09.2005 - 12.2007
Store Manager
Victoria Secret
04.2003 - 09.2005