Senior Benefits Strategist — Total Rewards

Vestas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vestas is seeking a Lead Benefits Specialist to administer and optimize employee benefits programs across the US. You will partner with HR, Total Rewards, payroll, and vendors to ensure compliant, cost-effective benefits aligned with our total rewards philosophy.

The role requires strong project management, data analytics, and vendor relations, with a focus on improving employee experience. Responsibilities include plan design support, regulatory interpretation, open enrollment leadership, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business or equivalent combination of experience/education
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in analysis, design or administration of employee benefit programs, including compliance with federal and state laws
• Knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA and related regulations

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver presentations on changing laws, trends, and benefit plan changes
• Resolve employee questions by interpreting benefit policies
• Reconcile benefits accounts and analyze data for cost trends and efficiencies
• Ensure benefits programs comply with plan documents and regulations
• Partner with line managers to create value and achieve business goals
• Collaborate with HRIS, Legal, Finance on benefits-related work
• Oversee day-to-day administration of medical, dental, vision, disability, life, retirement, FSA/HSA, COBRA and leave programs
• Serve as internal expert on policy interpretation and regulatory compliance (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA)
• Manage vendor and broker relationships and oversee SLAs and escalations
• Lead benefits initiatives (open enrollment, plan design changes, system upgrades, wellness programs) with timelines and communications
• Develop and maintain benefits documentation, plan summaries, SPD drafts, and SOPs
• Perform benefits analytics, benchmarking, and reporting to inform budgeting and renewals
• Support strategy planning by translating data into actionable recommendations
• Coordinate open enrollment strategy and post-enrollment reviews
• Partner with HRIS/payroll to maintain accurate benefits data and test changes
• Provide guidance on complex inquiries and escalations
• Align benefits strategy with total rewards philosophy and workforce goals
• Prepare filings and support audits; train HR generalists on policies and tools
• All other duties as assigned

Skills

Benefits strategy

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Data analytics

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or Business

Tools

Excel

HRIS

Vendor management software

Job description

Vestas is seeking a Lead Benefits Specialist to administer and optimize employee benefits programs across the US. You will partner with HR, Total Rewards, payroll, and vendors to ensure compliant, cost-effective benefits aligned with our total rewards philosophy.

The role requires strong project management, data analytics, and vendor relations, with a focus on improving employee experience. Responsibilities include plan design support, regulatory interpretation, open enrollment leadership, and