Principal Benefits Specialist

KBR Careers; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible spending account

Paid time off

Job summary

KBR Careers is seeking a Principal Benefits Specialist in Houston, TX. The role involves designing and implementing benefits programs and collaborating with HR and vendors to ensure program efficacy. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of relevant experience and strong analytical skills.

This position offers flexibility with hybrid and remote options, competitive benefits like a 401K plan, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in benefits, Total Rewards, or a related function.
• Experience supporting benefits programs in a multinational or complex environment.
• Strong knowledge of health & welfare and retirement benefit programs.

Responsibilities

• Support design and enhancement of benefits programs across regions.
• Administer day-to-day benefits operations with a focus on accuracy.
• Manage relationships with benefits vendors to ensure service quality.
• Collaborate for effective benefits communications and analytics.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Detail-oriented

Effective communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance or related field

Tools

Excel

HRIS and benefits administration platforms

Job description

Principal Benefits Specialist

Reporting to the US Benefits Manager, the Principal Benefits Specialist will play a key role in the design, implementation, and administration of benefits programs across a complex, multi-national environment. This role supports the design and delivery of scalable, competitive, and compliant programs that enhance employee experience and align with broader Total Rewards and business priorities.

As a subject matter expert, you will partner closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, vendors, and regional stakeholders to support benefits programs, including health & welfare, retirement, and well-being. You will contribute to both strategic initiatives and operational execution, ensuring effective, consistent, and compliant program delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of benefits programs, including health & welfare, retirement, leave, and well-being initiatives across multiple regions.
• Administer day-to-day benefits operations, including enrollments, renewals, and lifecycle activities, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and a strong employee experience.
• Manage and coordinate with benefits vendors (e.g., health, retirement, leave, and well-being providers), ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and delivery of high-quality services.
• Support and contribute to end-to-end implementation of new vendors and programs, including participation in RFP processes, project management, change management, and post-implementation audits.
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Payroll, HRIS, Finance, Legal, and regional stakeholders to support program delivery, resolve issues, and ensure alignment across functions.
• Resolve complex and escalated employee issues related to eligibility, claims, and vendor administration in partnership with internal teams and external providers.
• Support annual enrollment processes, including planning, system testing, audits, and employee communications.
• Collaborate with internal and external communications teams to develop clear, accurate, and engaging benefits communications for a diverse workforce.
• Analyze benefits data, trends, and costs in partnership with external consultants and internal stakeholders to identify insights, cost-saving opportunities, and program enhancements.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Support compliance with regulatory requirements, including preparation and coordination of required filings, documentation, and audits (e.g., U.S. ERISA-related filings).
• Assist with billing, financial tracking, reporting, and reconciliation activities to ensure accuracy and fiscal discipline.
• Identify and drive process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, data integrity, and service delivery across multiple benefits programs.
• Support HRIS and benefits system updates, integrations, and data management, ensuring accuracy and understanding downstream impacts of changes.

Basic Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of experience in benefits, Total Rewards, or a related function.
• Experience supporting benefits programs in a multinational or complex organizational environment preferred.

Functional Expertise

• Strong knowledge of health & welfare and/or retirement benefit programs, with exposure to complex benefits environments preferred.
• Understanding of benefits laws and regulatory requirements (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and international equivalents as applicable).
• Experience working with third-party vendors, including participation in implementations, transitions, and ongoing performance management.
• Experience supporting or leading vendor implementations, including involvement in RFPs, system configuration, and post-implementation validation.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management capabilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and vendors.
• Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (e.g., Workday, SAP), with strong data management and system navigation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, data analysis) and experience preparing reports and presentations.

Location

The ideal candidate will be located in the Houston, TX or greater Washington D.C.-Baltimore area. While KBR strives to maintain a global, flexible, diverse, and sustainable work environment for our people, we currently offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid, remote working, and virtual delivery to help reinforce and strengthen our strong commitment to becoming a more socially sustainable company, allowing us to provide greater work-life balance and flexibility.

Additional Compensation

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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