HR Benefits Specialist

Balchem Corporation; Montvale (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Balchem Corporation is seeking a Benefits Specialist based in Montvale, New Jersey. This role involves managing employee benefit programs, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, and acting as a point of contact for benefits inquiries. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of experience in benefits administration within a manufacturing environment. The salary ranges from $85,000 to $115,000 per year, reflecting the company's commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in benefits administration or HR within a manufacturing company.
• Strong understanding of benefits programs and relevant compliance laws.
• Ability to explain complex benefits information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Manage employee benefit programs including health insurance and retirement plans.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Act as point of contact for employee benefits inquiries.

Skills

Benefits administration

Compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Attention to detail

HRIS systems proficiency

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Company Overview

Balchem is committed to making the world a healthier place by delivering trusted, innovative, and science‑based solutions for the health and nutritional needs of the world. Balchem employs approximately 1,400 employees worldwide who provide the service, quality, and technology that enables our customers to win with their customers. We have built a reputation for delivering results to all of our stakeholders. Founded in 1967, Balchem, a Maryland corporation, became a publicly‑traded company in 1970 and is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “BCPC.” Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey, and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the U.S. and Europe. The Company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products.

Position Summary

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave programs, and other employee benefits. This role ensures that benefits are communicated effectively to employees, enrollment and eligibility processes are managed efficiently, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations is maintained.

Essential Functions

Benefits Administration

• Manage the day‑to‑day administration of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, disability, and wellness programs.
• Assist employees with benefits inquiries, including providing information on available benefits, eligibility, and coverage details.
• Oversee benefits enrollment processes, ensuring employees are correctly enrolled and that any changes (e.g., life events) are accurately reflected in the system.
• Maintain benefits records and ensure accurate data entry.

Compliance and Legal Requirements

• Ensure that all benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA).
• Coordinate with external vendors to ensure compliance and timely reporting (e.g., filing of annual reports, required notices).
• Facilitate internal and external audits related to retirement plans.

Communication and Employee Support

• Act as the primary point of contact for employee and internal HR team’s questions about benefits, explaining options and processes clearly.
• Develop and deliver communications (e.g., emails, newsletters, presentations) to employees regarding benefit programs, open enrollment, and changes.
• Organize benefits orientation sessions and benefit fairs for new employees and provide ongoing support for existing employees.

Benefits Enrollment and Processing

• Coordinate annual benefits open enrollment, ensuring smooth processes and clear communication about available benefits.
• Manage new hire benefit enrollment.
• Handle employee claims, disputes, and eligibility questions, working with providers to resolve any issues.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of employee benefit elections, changes, and claims.
• Assist in preparing budgets for benefits programs and help ensure that the company remains within the allocated benefits budget.

Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with external benefits vendors.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure the timely and accurate processing of claims and benefits issues.
• Evaluate vendor performance and recommend improvements or changes when necessary.

Benefit Program Design and Enhancement

• Assist with the design, review, and implementation of new benefit programs and policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in benefits administration and/or human resources within a manufacturing company.
• Strong understanding of benefits programs (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.) and relevant compliance laws (e.g., ACA, HIPAA, ERISA).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly to all levels of employees.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, especially when processing benefits data.
• Ability to proactively manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, ADP Lyric and a plus) and benefits administration platforms. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience working with benefits vendors and managing vendor contracts preferred.
• Proficiency in multi‑state LOA management highly desired.

The salary range for this role is between $85,000 and $115,000 per year.

Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equal employment opportunities, and a work environment free of harassment and hostility.