Michael Sanford
Edgewater,NJ
Summary
As a Versatile Senior Manager, I have spearheaded the day-to-day operations of benefits management
globally, spanning the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. My approach is to deliver benefit programs
in a manner that is not only operationally effective and legally compliant but also competitive
and innovative. My expertise extends to a wide range of regulations, including Confidently
Fiduciary, Trust, ERISA, DOL, HIPPA, ACA, and IRS, which I apply to both employer-sponsored
and self-funded health plans, benefits, and contributions retirement programs
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Manager of HR Payroll and Benefits
National Education Association, NEA
Washington, DC
05.2022 - 03.2024
- Designed benefits services and strategies for NEA; made recommendations and prepared proposals for new and improved programs based on institutional needs and/or governmental changes.
- Worked with third-party broker/consultants to implement and maintain benefits programs in US.
- Developed and maintained relationships with all vendor partners, including Optum Bright Horizons and UHC.
- Ensured programs were market competitive, aligned with business goals, consistently administered, and in compliance with company policies and government regulations.
- Researched and developed strategy for all benefit programs - health and welfare, retirement, life insurance and disability plans - with the support of brokers and vendors.
- Worked closely with Payroll Department to coordinate benefit related processes and procedures to assure accuracy and compliance.
- Implemented benefits programs, ranging from the initial stage of gathering information through program implementation and evaluation that are compliant with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
- Made recommendations for strategies/plan design changes to Benefit Committee.
- Collaborate with HR and business leaders to understand their issues related to benefits.
- Build and sustain collaborative relationships at multiple levels in the company.
- Build trust by including others and keep focus on the success of the entire company.
- Managed all benefits programs, policies, and procedures, including but not limited to welfare plans (health, dental, life and other voluntary plans), retirement programs and pension.
- Planned all annual enrollment activities including but not limited to renewal, recommendations, communications, system updates, and roll out to employees.
- Project Manager for Workday conversion.
- Worked with HR teams to assist with union negotiations or benefit analysis as necessary.
- Managed employees assigned to support the Benefits Department, including a Sr.
- Advised managers and employees on resolutions for specific problems relating to benefit program issues.
- Provided information to employees on available retirement options, rules, and regulations, both mandatory and voluntary.
- Oversaw leave of absence programs to ensure administration according to applicable federal laws and NEA procedures.
- Coordinated development and implementation of programs, special projects, research studies, and other HR initiatives to identify best practices and process improvements in order to promote functional efficiency and productivity.
- Served as HIPAA Privacy Officer.
- Responsible for required audits related to retirement plans such as 401(k), Deferred Compensation Plan, and Pensions.
- Assured Company remained in compliance with laws and regulations related to health/welfare, disabilities, leave of absences, and other benefit-related plans.
SENIOR MANAGER OF BENEFITS AMERICAS, EMEA APAC
Refitinitiv, A London Stock Exchange Company
01.2011 - 04.2022
- Managed and completed planning and implementation of annual open enrollment process, and analysis of benchmark data to determine competitiveness of benefit structure across US Canda EMEA and APAC
- Provided recommendations for benefit or compliance changes related to competitiveness and legal compliance directly to Executive committees for implementation.
- Directly managed vendor relationships, including Aetna, CVS, and VSP to ensure excellent service was provided to employees for all benefits provided.
- Developed, implemented, and communicated benefit or procedural changes with vendors; ensured prompt resolution of issues.
- Acted as subject matter expert, serving as contact for employees pertaining to insurance questions and interpretation of billing issues; interacted internally with senior Executives, Human Resources Business Operations, Finance and IT, and interacted externally with benefits providers and vendors, consultants, payroll provider, and applicable union leadership.
- Developed written communications materials for employees, and recommended and implemented new or modified plans and employee benefit policies.
- Partnered with HRIS and other cross functional organizations to document and streamline processes.
- Project Manager for benefits harmonization implementation – tested and trained all HR Managers and developed User Guides for employees.
- Managed benefit budget including processing/accurate payment of benefit invoices and expenses.
- Designed, evaluated and modified benefits policies to ensure programs were current, competitive and in compliance with legal requirements.
- Prepared annual benefit budget based on renewal costs, headcount trending, etc.
- Completed annual compliance requirements such as non-discrimination testing, Form 5500, SARs, Annual Notices, SBCs, SPDs, etc.
- Reduced costs, optimized resource allocation, and improved efficiency in managing projects.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Established strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.
- Collaborated closely with peers from other departments to drive organizational success jointly as one cohesive unit.
- Achieved operational excellence by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
Sr Manager of Benefits
American Academy of Otolaryngology
01.2008 - 12.2010
- Designed, implemented, and maintained/monitored U.S.
- Benefits programs, including medical, dental, life, accident, and disability insurances and 401(k) plan, as well as other benefits such as time off and wellness, in 4 primary locations.
- Responsible for effective application of benefits processes and procedures, including service provider monitoring and management and corporate reporting as required.
- Worked closely with Total Rewards Center of Expertise (COE) to define, review and implement the overall U.S. benefits strategy and specific benefits plans for all U.S employees.
- Prepared and presented appropriate reports, business cases, and cost/benefit analysis on recommended changes to benefits strategy and plans.
- Partnered with brokers to prepare negotiation materials recommendations and analysis for vendor selection.
- Identified and implemented process efficiencies to effectively manage and contain costs of benefits plans.
- Worked in collaboration with other functions (e.g., Payroll, Occupational Health), external providers, and COE representatives to implement standards and processes to administer benefits plans.
- Validate system requirements and data accuracy to administer benefits plans.
- Developed strategy to educate employees about benefits plans and enhance employee health and wellness, including preparing and presenting benefits-related employee communication materials.
- Handled all Worker's Compensation Claims and developed Return to Work policy in conjunction with Health and Safety Managers.
- Managed benefits carriers, including monitoring of costs and performance.
- Participated in research and external benchmarking and keep abreast of U.S.
- Benefits-related legislative environment and market practices.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements applicable to benefits plans, including employee notifications and government filings.
- Served as administrator for all benefits plans, including interpreting plan provisions.
- Coordinated meetings of 401(k) Committee and prepared meeting agendas and meeting materials.
- Implemented new 401(k) vendor (Fidelity) and worked with the Workday team to develop interfaces to and from Fidelity's systems.
- Contributed to corporate governance of U.S.
- Benefits programs by providing reports, guidance, and expertise, as required, including serving as the key technical contact for the 401(k) Committee and to Total Rewards Center of Excellence on Benefits matters.
- Oversaw and mentored 2 HR Coordinators on benefits-related issues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Pre Law /Political Science
University of Alabama
Birmingham, ALSkills
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; ADP Professional; PeopleSoft; Workday HR System
Timeline
Sr. Manager of HR Payroll and Benefits
National Education Association, NEA
05.2022 - 03.2024
SENIOR MANAGER OF BENEFITS AMERICAS, EMEA APAC
Refitinitiv, A London Stock Exchange Company
01.2011 - 04.2022
Sr Manager of Benefits
American Academy of Otolaryngology
01.2008 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Pre Law /Political Science
University of Alabama