Position Summary
The Senior Benefits Specialist supports the administration and ongoing delivery of employee benefits, leave, retirement, and compensation programs for U.S.-based employees. The role provides operational, analytical, and employee support while working closely with HR, payroll, benefits and compensation stakeholders, vendors, and external partners. This position is responsible for ensuring employee programs and related transactions are processed accurately, efficiently, confidentially, and in accordance with company policies and applicable U.S. regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Administer and support employee benefits, retirement, leave, wellness, and compensation programs for U.S.-based employees.
- Process benefits-related employee transactions and documentation, including enrollments, qualifying life events, employment status changes, terminations, leave requests, and annual open enrollment.
- Act as a key point of contact for employees, managers, vendors, and third-party administrators regarding benefits, leave, retirement, and compensation inquiries.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee information across HRIS, payroll, benefits, retirement, leave, and related administrative systems.
- Support leave administration processes involving FMLA, ADA accommodations, disability programs, paid leave, PTO, and return-to-work requirements.
- Conduct data reviews, reconciliations, audits, and validation activities to help ensure the accuracy of HR, payroll, benefits, retirement, leave, and compensation information.
- Assist with compliance activities, reporting, testing, audits, and supporting documentation, including ACA reporting, retirement plan audits, and nondiscrimination testing.
- Provide support for compensation-related activities such as job evaluations, market pricing, salary recommendations, FLSA reviews, organizational changes, and compensation reporting.
- Support the integration of benefits and compensation processes during acquisitions and the onboarding of newly integrated practices.
- Prepare and maintain employee communications, training resources, job aids, and other informational materials related to Total Rewards programs.
- Contribute to process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Protect the confidentiality and security of employee, compensation, medical, and protected health information.
- Participate in meetings and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders as required.
- Perform other duties related to the position as assigned.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field is preferred.
- 3-5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, with substantial exposure to benefits administration, leave management, retirement programs, and/or compensation.
- Hands-on experience administering leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, disability programs, state leave programs, and return-to-work processes.
- Working knowledge of HR, benefits, leave, payroll, and/or compensation administration processes.
- Experience supporting U.S.-based employee programs and applicable regulations is preferred.
- Experience with compensation benchmarking, market pricing, salary survey analysis, or other compensation-related initiatives is preferred.
- Experience using HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems.
- Experience handling confidential employee information, compensation data, medical information, and protected health information (PHI).
Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of employee benefits, retirement plans, leave administration, and compensation programs.
- Proficiency in HRIS, payroll, benefits administration platforms, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong customer service and relationship-building abilities when working with employees, leaders, vendors, and external partners.
- Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work.
Physical Requirements
The position regularly involves sitting, standing, walking, reaching, speaking, and listening. Occasional activities may include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. The role may also require close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment & Schedule
The position involves regular collaboration with U.S.-based employees, leaders, vendors, and internal team members. Work hours may require flexibility to accommodate U.S. business hours and key business activities.