Job Description

The Benefits Senior Specialist serves the business by managing programs, and ensuring compliance, effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals across all benefits offerings including leave and 401k. This role serves as a center of excellence within the People Operations department. A successful Benefits Senior Specialist works with business leaders and teammates to provide the best possible employee experience while balancing organizational financial objectives. This individual must be passionate about benefits strategy and program and committed to business and employee service.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Benefits Strategy
• Work closely with brokers, carriers, and vendors to review plan performance, compare market offerings, and support benefit strategy decisions
• Perform research on new trends and offerings to ensure the company remains competitive across all benefit programs
• Perform data analysis and regularly provide reporting on relevant metrics such as participation and claims experience
• Provide input for a roadmap evolving the company’s benefits strategy then support through execution of projects and programs
• Develop and drive wellness initiatives and benefit education efforts that encourage participation, understanding, and employee engagement
• Benefits Administration and Compliance
• Execute day-to-day administration of employee benefit and leave programs through the entire employee lifecycle across all plans and benefit programs
• Drive plan renewal and open enrollment activities annually including plan design, program structure, communication and system readiness
• Ensure plans are designed, managed, and communicated efficiently and effectively
• Provide timely, high-quality support through self-service resources and direct service on complex benefits issues
• Regularly review and process billing
• Conduct regular audits of programs and processes to identify and resolve discrepancies
• Interpret and serve as an expert on all statutory and regulatory compliance related to benefit plans and management (ACA, FMLA, ERISA, etc.), across all jurisdictions, ensuring all policies, processes and practices are compliant, and annual reporting is filed timely
• Benefits Communication
• Execute a strategic communication plan annually that provides value to the company’s employee population and drives goals
• Develop and deliver benefits communications and educational materials increasing employee and manager awareness, understanding, and engagement across multiple channels
• Own all programs and campaign communication, such as wellness and open enrollment
• Drive educational efforts in partnership with Learning and Development and Business Partners
• Design and distribute educational and support materials that enable self-service
• Support and enhance employee wellbeing program, driving engagement through targeted initiatives, resources, and communications
• Operational Excellence
• Continuously identify and implement process improvements to enhance employee experience, operational efficiency, and program effectiveness
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and consistently implement improvements.
• Ensure corporate consistency across processes and practices
• Provide project support to People Operations efforts as requested which includes serving as a project team member and/or providing input to a project led by another department specialty
• Consistently partner with teammates in the People Operations department to achieve better outcomes for the business
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in benefits strategy and administration and/or human resources required.
• A bachelors degree in human resources, management, business or related field preferred.
• Experience in transportation and/or distribution industries a plus.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefit functions, benefits coordination, and benefits analysis.
• Experience supporting compliance related to leave programs such as FMLA and other applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to implement a strategy within a team and broader company based off data insights.
• Experience working with and effectively influencing management and managing relationships with third-party vendors.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization and time management skills while juggling competing priorities and responding to requests.
• Proven attention to detail with ability to manage sensitive information with accuracy and discretion.
• Track record of maintaining a high-level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to design efficient, effective processes and consistently execute the same.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate to management and employees in a way that is understandable, clear, concise and meaningful.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service excellence and ability to offer responsive and solution-oriented assistance.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, especially Excel, and a quick-study of other digital systems.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs. infrequently.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Hybrid work location.

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