Senior Benefits Analytics & Strategy Lead

Bray International, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Bray International, Inc. is seeking a Principal Benefits Analyst to serve as the senior technical authority on benefits strategy, design, and governance.

You will analyze health, welfare, retirement, leave, and wellness programs, translating data and regulatory requirements into practical recommendations. You will partner with HR, Finance, Payroll, and external partners to evaluate plan performance, lead renewals, and drive cross‑functional initiatives that improve cost effectiveness and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, benefits analysis, or total rewards.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a senior benefits subject matter expert and leading complex initiatives.
• Experience administering self-funded and fully insured health and welfare plans.
• Experience leading renewals, financial modelling, benchmarking, open enrollment, and vendor performance.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate benefit programs, market practices, workforce needs, and plan alternatives; develop recommendations that balance employee value, competitiveness, risk, and cost effectiveness.
• Analyze enrollment, utilization, claims, financial, participation, and vendor performance data; develop models, dashboards, forecasts, and executive-ready insights.
• Lead analytical support for annual renewals, budgeting, forecasting, benchmarking, contribution modeling, and cost-containment initiatives.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex benefits issues and strengthen controls, documentation, eligibility processes, reconciliations, and administrative consistency.
• Lead working relationships with brokers, consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators; evaluate performance, support negotiations, and drive issue resolution.
• Interpret and apply ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other applicable requirements; lead audits, filings, governance activities, and corrective actions.
• Develop clear communications, decision-support tools, presentations, and education initiatives that improve employee understanding and engagement.
• Lead complex benefit projects, vendor implementations, integrations, system enhancements, open enrollment workstreams, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Provide expert guidance, training, and mentoring to HR and Benefits team members without direct supervisory responsibility.
• Identify opportunities for automation, process improvement, stronger reporting, improved program value, and enhanced employee experience.
• Monitor emerging benefits practices, legislative developments, and competitive trends; assess implications and recommend action.

Skills

Benefits analytics

Advanced Excel

Data visualization

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

UKG Pro

UKG Ready

Power BI

Job description

Bray International, Inc. is seeking a Principal Benefits Analyst to serve as the senior technical authority on benefits strategy, design, and governance.

You will analyze health, welfare, retirement, leave, and wellness programs, translating data and regulatory requirements into practical recommendations. You will partner with HR, Finance, Payroll, and external partners to evaluate plan performance, lead renewals, and drive cross‑functional initiatives that improve cost effectiveness and