Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialist plays a key role in the development, implementation, and administration of our benefits offerings, including health and welfare plans with a primary focus on U.S. and North America Benefits.

• Oversee day-to-day administration of health and welfare benefit plans, COBRA, direct-bill, HIPAA and related activities. Ensure efficient processing, maintain up-to-date plan documents, and manage benefit-related payroll processes.
• Ensure execution of timely and accurate benefit open enrollment process and oversee benefit administration; engage, educate and support employees, retirees, HR Business Partners and leadership in benefit matters.
• Maintain vendor relationships including administration and service level agreements.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits. This includes timely completion of required filings such as Form 5500, CMS submissions, ACA 1095-C reporting, and health and welfare plan audits. Maintain current knowledge of ERISA, IRS regulations, and other relevant legislation.
• Ensure adherence to all assigned SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) controls.
• Research participant records to respond to internal and external information requests, including data verification for audits and compliance.
• Oversee LTD/STD process and plan provisions to include vendor management, collaborating with HR business partners and EHS professionals, when necessary.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings and annual/quarterly reviews with healthcare plan providers.
• Assist with key metrics, reporting and dashboards of benefits plans and programs.
• Responsible for proper storage of updated agreements, contracts and documents.
• Update plan documents and benefit policies.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Key Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Proven experience with administering employee benefit programs.
• Self-motivated, independent thinker with strong organizational and project management skills. Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving capabilities. 
• Experience working with external vendors and consultants.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, confidential), effectively communicating across all levels of the organization with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements and support change initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of HR and benefits-related laws and compliance requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in lieu of degree required.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in employee benefits administration.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools; experience with SAP and SuccessFactors preferred