Tessa Clift
Strawberry Plains
Summary
Benefits Operations Manager with a robust background in employee benefits programs and compliance regulations. Demonstrates strong leadership and team management skills, fostering positive relationships across all organizational levels. Achieved significant operational streamlining that enhanced efficiency while reducing costs. Committed to ongoing professional development to deliver exceptional service to both the company and its employees.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
NA Benefits Operations Manager - Total Rewards, Global People Organization
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Knoxville
09.2023 - Current
- Oversee the administration of all health and welfare plans, retirement benefits, vendors, policies, and procedures for over 12,000 employees across North America.
- Collaborate with actuarial and broking teams to develop and present comprehensive analyses.
- Optimize operational efficiency through effective vendor management.
- Conduct thorough plan document evaluations to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Support the team in resolving internal issues, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Empower team members by supporting their career advancement.
- Maintain adherence to legal requirements, organizational policies encompassing SOC controls as well as HIPAA Privacy and Security standards.
- Assist in the development and negotiation of contract renewals.
- Manage and assess vendors to ensure consistent delivery of employee benefits.
- Perform benefit trend research and analysis.
- Lead initiatives that provide comprehensive knowledge to employees regarding their benefit selections.
- Optimize benefit programs by assessing key indicators, such as utilization trends and claims data.
- Assess global benefits for equity across regions.
Benefits Specialist - Human Resources
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Knoxville
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Developed and administered health, welfare, and retirement benefits for over 12,000 employees across North America.
- Researched and recommended changes to benefits plans and policies.
- Ensured compliance with legal requirements for benefits programs.
- Performed audits to ensure benefits data accuracy and compliance.
- Compiled reports on benefits usage, costs, and trends for management.
- Collaborated with leadership to resolve internal issues, and implement solutions.
- Enhanced service delivery through effective problem resolution.
- Acted as a liaison for employees, retirees, vendors, and consultants to resolve claim issues.
- Monitored HRIS data and files for accuracy.
- Administered employee benefits programs aligned with strategic goals.
- Led annual enrollment for over 9 years, including system configurations, vendor implementation, and training.
- Handled ongoing employee benefits-related escalations.
- Tracked benefits legislation to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
- Identified and compared new benefit options against industry standards.
Benefits Analyst - Human Resources
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Knoxville
03.2016 - 07.2021
- Ensured competitiveness of benefits programs through comprehensive evaluation.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive benefits documentation.
- Engage with service providers for effective resolution of escalated employee problems.
- Verified adherence to applicable legal and regulatory guidelines on benefit programs.
- Delivered comprehensive benefits education via presentations, meetings, and written communications.
- Oversaw the management of benefits enrollment and termination.
- Resolved employee benefits inquiries and addressed concerns promptly.
- Evaluated employee feedback on current benefits.
Benefits Associate - Human Resources
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Knoxville
06.2015 - 03.2016
- Handled escalations and issues concerning NA health and welfare benefits, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
- Expanded knowledge of company benefits programs.
- Provided support for employee inquiries on NA benefits, payroll, and domestic mobility.
- Coordinated annual enrollment materials for benefits communications.
- Oversaw collaboration with vendors for launching new plan designs.
- Integrated HRIS files to enhance efficiency for administrators and vendors.
Verification Representative, Business Administration
East Tennessee Children's Hospital
Knoxville
06.2014 - 06.2015
- Validated insurance coverage for patients before scheduling procedures.
- Managed and rectified insurance problems to reduce claim rejection.
- Liaised with insurance companies to obtain pre-authorizations for procedures and medications.
- Educated patients on their insurance benefits and coverage limitations.
- Documented verification activities using electronic medical records systems.
- Monitored verification queues daily to ensure that all requests were completed within established timelines.
Intern, Food & Beverage Assistant
Tennessee Smokies Baseball
Kodak
03.2014 - 06.2014
- Supervised and trained game day staff for stadium concessions operations.
- Assisted in daily startup and shutdown routines.
- Managed guest interactions and guaranteed positive experiences for all visitors.
- Managed daily stocking and inventory of concession stands.
- Compiled regular reports for daily, monthly, and seasonal periods.
- Supervised vendor activities to achieve program goals.
- Assisted with event planning and execution, including catering and quick-serve functions.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
King University
Bristol, TN05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Communication
King University
Bristol, TN12.2014
Skills
- Benefits Administration
- HRIS
- Compliance Management
- Data analysis
- Communication Skills
- Project Management
- Negotiation
- Strategic planning
- Employee Relations
- Problem-Solving
Websites
Accomplishments
- Designed and launched a benefits mobile app, achieving a 55% download rate in 2 months, showcasing project management and user engagement skills.
- Orchestrated a virtual benefits fair for Annual Enrollment, resulting in ~5K vendor booth visits and ~15K webinar attendees, demonstrating event planning and communication abilities.
- Conducted audits to ensure accurate plan administration and system integrity, highlighting analytical and compliance skills.
- Assessed benefits offerings to enhance program support for diverse employee needs, fostering inclusivity and equity.
- Collaborated with vendors to monitor SLAs and execute program commitments, demonstrating vendor management and client service skills.
Timeline
NA Benefits Operations Manager - Total Rewards, Global People Organization
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
09.2023 - Current
Benefits Specialist - Human Resources
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
08.2021 - 08.2023
Benefits Analyst - Human Resources
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
03.2016 - 07.2021
Benefits Associate - Human Resources
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
06.2015 - 03.2016
Verification Representative, Business Administration
East Tennessee Children's Hospital
06.2014 - 06.2015
Intern, Food & Beverage Assistant
Tennessee Smokies Baseball
03.2014 - 06.2014
Master of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
King University
Bachelor of Science - Communication
King University
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