Benefits Specialist

OVERVIEW

As part of the North America Benefits team, the Benefits Specialist will be responsible for administering and delivering best-in-class benefits for our employees. This role involves providing expert support by helping employees understand their benefits, policy features, and the enrollment process. Additionally, the Benefits Specialist will manage specific benefit plans, ensure compliance, and maintain strong relationships with third-party vendors.

DESCRIPTION

• Review, respond to, and resolve employee requests, serving as an advocate to ensure the best possible outcomes for employees.
• Assist with annual Open Enrollment, monitor trends and gather employee feedback, coordinate with vendors to address concerns, and work with the North America Benefits team to launch new programs.
• Support compliance and reporting requirements including summary plan descriptions, IRS Form 5500 preparation, ERISA, HIPAA, and annual non-discrimination testing.
• Serve as an administrator for the company's 401(k) plan, handling all aspects of the plan such as rollovers, loans, and managing excess contributions.
• Administer leave of absence requests, including FMLA and ADA accommodations.
• Be a trusted point of contact and advocate for employees regarding benefits questions, concerns, and escalations.
• Provide a range of benefit services, including but not limited to administration and support of qualifying life events, status changes, dependent verification, billing, leaves of absence, benefit enrollments, and applications.
• Lead ad-hoc projects and initiatives as needed.

Job requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS

• In-depth understanding of key health, welfare, and retirement benefits administration functions, including vendor coordination, handling employee changes, processing qualifying life events and appeals, and managing annual enrollment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to provide clear explanations and live presentations while consistently demonstrating empathy, patience, and compassion.
• Able to navigate change and ambiguity, and determine appropriate actions with minimal guidance.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA and leave administration in a multi-state environment, as well as Workers’ Compensation, IRS, and ERISA regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with employees and management.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including proficiency with PivotTables, VLOOKUP functions.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
• Experience using Workday, including launching Open Enrollment, updating benefit plans, and running reports.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s in Human Resources or Business Administration with the related field of study
• 5-7 years in a U.S. benefits execution capacity with a mid to large size company
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills