The Senior Benefits Specialist plays a key role in the and administration of our benefits offerings, including health and welfare plans with primary focus on U.S. and North America Benefits.
Assist with the oversight of day-to-day administration of health and welfare benefit plans, COBRA, direct-bill, HIPAA and related activities, ensuring efficient processing.
Oversee benefits-related invoices and funding activities with internal partners as well as ensure accurate payroll deductions in partnership with the payroll team.
Assist with a timely and accurate annual open enrollment process, providing communications and support to employees, retirees and HR Business Partners in enrollment changes.
Respond timely to employee/HR Business Partner benefits-related questions.
Maintain good vendor relationships, ensuring service excellence, ease of use, effective communications and platform accuracy.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits, including 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.
Adhere to assigned SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) controls.
Research participant records to respond to internal and external information requests, including data verification for audits and compliance.
Assist with the disability (LTD) process and plan provisions, including vendor management, in collaboration with our EHS nurse professionals and HR business partners, as necessary.
Coordinate vendor meetings and annual/quarterly reviews.
Assist with key benefits reporting, dashboards and presentations.
Responsible for updating and proper storage of agreements, contracts, plan documents, SPDs and policies as well as coordination with internal procurement partners.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Key Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Proven experience with funding processes and day-to-day administration of benefit programs.
Self-motivated, independent thinker with strong organizational skills. Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving capabilities.
Solid experience working with external vendors.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, confidential), effectively communicating across all levels of the organization as well as solid presentation skills.
Ability to identify and implement process improvements and support change initiatives.
Working knowledge of HR and benefits-related laws and compliance requirements.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
5+ years of professional experience in employee benefits administration.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools; experience with SAP and SuccessFactors preferred.