Benefits Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

12 paid holidays + 136 hours PTO

7% 401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

HSA/FSA options

Job summary

GEA Group in the United States is seeking a seasoned Benefits Specialist to support the HR Benefits Team with health and welfare programs, LOA administration, and benefits data management.

You will handle billing reconciliation, enrollment changes, and reporting, while coordinating with retirees and third-party administrators. A strong Excel and HRIS background is essential, along with knowledge of FMLA, ERISA, and IRS rules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years in benefits administration with LOA, data reporting, billing, retirement plans, FSAs/HSAs, and COBRA.
• Strong HRIS and benefits systems knowledge.
• Proficiency in Excel with data reporting and analysis.
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ERISA, IRS 401(k) regs, FSAs, and HSAs.
• Experience with third-party benefits administrators.
• Knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, and health/welfare regulations.
• Payroll processes related to benefits.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day benefits contact for employees and retirees.
• Maintain internal ticketing system for inquiries.
• Administer LOA processes including FMLA, ADA, and internal policies.
• Coordinate with employees, managers, and third-party admins for compliance.
• Track, document, and report LOA activity for HR, payroll, compliance.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain benefits data across HR systems; use Excel for analysis.
• Prepare and distribute reports on benefits enrollment, utilization, trends.
• Monthly reconciliation of benefits billing across plans.
• Resolve discrepancies with vendors, payroll, and finance.
• Maintain records for retiree benefits plans.
• Administer 401(k) enrollment, contributions, and distributions; support audits.

Skills

Excel

Data reporting

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Payroll knowledge

HRIS knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Benefits administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Tools

HRIS 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

Our Benefits Specialist will focus on supporting GEA's HR Benefits Team with health and welfare programs managing leave of absence administration, handling benefits data and reporting, performing billing reconciliation, supporting retirees, administering spending accounts, processing HSA employer funding, and assisting with enrollment changes and benefit support. The Benefits Analyst will play a critical role in ensuring our benefits programs are administered accurately and efficiently whileserving as a resource for employee support and questions.

• 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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