Benefits Specialist

Gea Group; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

12 paid holidays + floating holiday

401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs/HSAs

Job summary

GEA Group, a global engineering leader, seeks a Benefits Administrator to manage LOA processes, benefits data, and vendor relations.

You will handle leave administration, detailed reporting, and retirement and spending accounts, while ensuring IRS, ERISA, and COBRA compliance. A strong Excel/HRIS background and 5+ years in benefits are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in HR, business, or related field.
• 5+ years in benefits administration with LOA, data reporting, billing reconciliation, retirement and spending accounts.
• Strong knowledge of HRIS and benefits systems.
• Proficient in Excel and data reporting/analysis.
• Detail-oriented with multitasking ability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ERISA, IRS rules for 401(k), FSAs, HSAs.
• Experience with third-party benefits administrators.
• Knowledge of COBRA and HIPAA.

Responsibilities

• Be the day-to-day contact for benefits questions, guiding employees with clear communication.
• Maintain internal ticketing system for employee inquiries.
• Administer LOA processes including FMLA, ADA, and company policies.
• Coordinate with employees, managers, and third-party admins for compliance.
• Track, document, and report LOA activity to HR, payroll, and compliance.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain benefits data; use v-lookup and pivot tables.
• Prepare regular and ad hoc reports on benefits enrollment and trends.
• Monthly reconciliation of benefits billing (medical, dental, vision, life).
• Resolve discrepancies with vendors, payroll, and finance to ensure accurate billing.
• Maintain detailed reconciliations and resolve issues promptly.
• Assist with FSAs and HSAs administration.
• Coordinate with third-party vendors for IRS compliance and policy adherence.
• Process employer contributions for HSAs; ensure timely funding.
• Support retirees with enrollment, changes, and inquiries.
• Coordinate with admins to ensure retirees receive timely benefits info.
• Maintain records for retiree benefits plans.
• Assist with 401(k) plan administration and employee contributions.
• Collaborate with vendors to resolve participant issues and 401(k) compliance.
• Support annual audits and reporting for the 401(k) plan.

Skills

HRIS proficiency

Data reporting

Excel

Benefits administration

LOA management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll systems

Job description

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Working At GEA Group Has Significant Benefits

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Act as a day-to-day point of contact for employees with questions or concerns about benefits, providing guidance and support with a focus on clear and effective communication.
• Maintain and manage internal ticketing system with employee inquiries.
• Administer leave of absence (LOA) processes, including FMLA, ADA, and company-specific leave policies.
• Coordinate with employees, managers, and third-party administrators to ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies.
• Track, document, and report on all LOA activity to support HR, payroll, and compliance requirements.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain benefits data, ensuring data integrity and accuracy across all HR systems. Proficiency in v-look up and pivot tables.
• Prepare and distribute regular and ad hoc reports on benefits enrollment, utilization, and trends.
• Conduct monthly reconciliation of benefits billing, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and other benefits plans.
• Resolve discrepancies by working with vendors, payroll, and finance teams to ensure accurate billing and payments.
• Maintain detailed records of reconciliations and resolve outstanding issues promptly.
• Assist with administration of spending accounts, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
• Coordinate with third party vendor ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and company policies.
• Process employer contributions for HSAs, monitoring for accuracy and timely funding.
• Provide benefit support for retirees, including assisting with enrollment, changes, and inquiries.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators to ensure retirees receive accurate and timely benefits information.
• Maintain records and documentation related to retiree benefits plans.
• Assist with administration of the company’s 401(k) plan, including employee enrollments, contributions, and distributions.
• Collaborate with vendors to resolve any participant issues and ensure compliance with 401(k) regulations.
• Support annual audits, compliance testing, and reporting for the 401(k) plan.

Your Profile / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, with specific experience in leave of absence, data reporting, billing reconciliation, retirement plans, spending accounts, and COBRA.
• Strong knowledge of HRIS and benefits administration systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with data reporting and analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to provide exceptional service and support to employees, retirees, and internal teams.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, ERISA, IRS regulations governing 401(k) plans, FSAs, and HSAs.
• Experience working with third-party benefits administrators.
• Knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, and other health and welfare regulations.
• Knowledge of payroll processes related to benefits

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000 - $100,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

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