Senior Benefit Specialist

The Senior Benefit Specialist is responsible for the design, evaluation, administration, and continuous improvement of the organization’s U.S. employee benefits programs. The benefit portfolio includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k), pension, wellness, and ancillary programs.

This position partners with senior management, consultants, brokers, and benefit providers to ensure programs are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and properly administered. The Senior Benefit Specialist also serves as a primary resource for employees and management, providing accurate and timely guidance on benefit plans while maintaining a high level of customer service.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee the administration of all U.S. benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, EAP, flexible spending accounts, pension, and 401(k) programs.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness and competitiveness of existing benefit programs and recommend plan enhancements, design changes, and process improvements.
3. Analyze the financial impact of proposed benefit changes and identify opportunities to control costs, improve efficiency, and maintain quality coverage.
4. Lead the annual open enrollment process, including planning, implementation, employee communications, and coordination with internal and external partners.
5. Partner with insurance brokers during annual renewals. Analyze plan utilization, expenses, and cost drivers, and explore cost-effective alternatives for delivering competitive benefits.
6. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state benefit regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, and the ACA. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and advise management of any required or recommended changes.
7. Collaborate with HR Generalists across company locations to communicate benefit changes and implement initiatives such as open enrollment and wellness programs.
8. Work with legal counsel to prepare, review, and maintain benefit-related documents, including plan documents, amendments, benefit agreements, and insurance policies.
9. Coordinate health and wellness programs and communicate related initiatives to employees.
10. Develop and deliver clear communications to employees and former employees regarding benefit programs, procedures, plan changes, and required government disclosures.
11. Partner with senior management to develop and communicate company policies related to employee benefits.
12. Reconcile benefit invoices and maintain accurate employee benefit records to support compliance and data integrity.
13. Assist in developing benefit proposals for union negotiations. Analyze union benefit requests and prepare cost information for company proposals, union proposals, and final agreements.
14. Evaluate HR and payroll systems to confirm they effectively support benefit administration. Coordinate vendor integrations and system improvements that automate processes, improve access to information, and strengthen reporting and analytics.
15. Respond to employee benefit questions, concerns, and complaints, ensuring timely and effective resolution.

Core Competencies

• Action-oriented: Approaches new opportunities and challenging situations with urgency, energy, and professionalism.
• Planning and alignment: Prioritizes responsibilities and organizes work effectively to meet business commitments and organizational objectives.
• Solution-focused: Remains resourceful and committed to identifying effective solutions, including under challenging circumstances.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related discipline.
• Five to ten years of employee benefits experience.
• Current and comprehensive knowledge of U.S. health and retirement plan regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Strong experience with 401(k), pension, and life insurance plans is preferred.
• Benefits or HR certification is preferred, such as CBP, CEBS, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP.
• Experience using ADP and Workday is strongly desired.
• Strong Excel proficiency, including functions and pivot tables.
• Strong overall technology skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, listening, and influencing skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 10%.