Benefits Specialist

Job Purpose:The Benefits Specialist is responsible for designing, analyzing, implementing, managing, and communicating a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive, compliant and aligns with the company’s business objectives. The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and 401(k) plan. The Benefits Specialist assists HR leadership to set the benefits strategy and standards and installs at the plant level. The Benefits Specialist is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the plant in adhering to the corporate standards and providing feedback on HR results to HR leaders..

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Responsible for the development, execution, and communication of all benefit programs; including benefits administration process, vendor management, annual benefits plan strategy and design, annual open enrollments, new hire enrollments, and qualifying events.Ensures that benefit programs support the company’s growth strategy, business objectives, and talent acquisition and retention goals.Participates in forums or committees to bring subject matter expertise and thought leadership in making recommendations to the leadership team on strategy, company standards, procedures, compliance, and metrics.Participates in benefit surveys on an ongoing basis to forecast trends and make recommendations for future benefit designs to attract and retain employees.Oversees FMLA and disability administration; plays key role with local HR teams in the education and coordination of leaves.Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS (UKG Pro) to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information.Provides guidance to local HR teams in their communications with employees in relation to the employee's benefit plans. Equips local HR with the proper tools and communication to inform employees of their benefits packages.Consults with HR leadership and local HR teams to ensure benefit offerings meet employees' needs to enhance engagement.Collaborate with Center of Excellence (COE) members to streamline work processes and HR technology.Assist Global Mobility to educate expatriates on benefit options.Support other total rewards initiatives and projects as needed.

Broker/Vendor ManagementNegotiates with and manages valued relationships with broker and vendor partners, ensuring services are delivered within agreed upon service expectations.Manages group insurance benefits (health, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability, and flexible spending accounts) and leaves of absence.Serves as main point of contact for benefit carriers and assists with escalated employee questions and issues related to benefit plans, eligibility, and enrollment.Manages the annual renewal processes including collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure benefit offerings are competitive, affordable and in compliance with local and federal regulations.Monitors existing compliance regulations and emerging governmental legislation related to benefit programs and labor laws, including ERISA, COBRA, HCRA, ACA, and HIPAA. Ensures completion of regulatory reporting and audits.Operates within the core values of respect and care for others.

Performance Expectations: Ability to design benefit programs which balance employee engagement/needs, cost effectiveness, and legal requirements.Exemplify outstanding customer service skills, interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all levels.Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.Demonstrate solid project management, communication and change management skills.Influence stakeholders to accomplish goals on-time and within budget.Demonstrate a strong commitment to service and accountability.Convey a positive attitude, embrace change and possess a sense of curiosity in learning new roles and responsibilities.Leadership and engagement of team to achieve performance expectations.Act with integrity, professionalism, confidentiality.Promote a positive attitude and a sense of curiosity in learning new roles and responsibilities.Instill a culture of leadership and engagement of team to achieve performance expectations.

Skills and Work Experience Requirements:Minimum of three (3+) years of progressively responsible experience in benefits management; manufacturing industry preferred.Benefit design and full scope benefits administration including health, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, and disability plans required.Experience in self-insured and fully insured benefits plans, as well as HSAs and HRAs required.Strong working knowledge of benefit laws and government regulations including, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, ACA, and HCRA.Organizational skills, attention to detail essential.Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution abilities, and time management skills; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office suite and knowledge of HRIS system (UKG/Ultipro).

Education:BA or BS in Human Resources or related field.Relevant certifications, such as CEBS or SHRM CP/SCP