Sr. Benefits Specialist

Lhoist North America; Town of Texas, Fort Worth (WI, TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Benefits Manager to oversee and enhance employee benefit programs for a diverse workforce. This role involves evaluating and implementing benefits, ensuring compliance with laws, and collaborating with various stakeholders to streamline processes. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in benefit administration, strong analytical and communication skills, and a commitment to employee service. Join a forward-thinking company that values integrity, courage, and respect, while offering competitive compensation and opportunities for personal growth.

Benefits

401(k) with Employer Match

Educational Assistance

Comprehensive Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Qualifications

• 5-10 years in benefit administration with manufacturing or construction experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits law and HR management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and interact professionally.

Responsibilities

• Support and implement benefit programs, communicating information effectively.
• Manage relationships with benefit consultants and ensure compliance.
• Evaluate cost-effective benefit plans balancing employee needs and costs.

Skills

Communication Skills

HR Procedures Knowledge

Customer Service Focus

Analytical Skills

Presentation Skills

Project Management

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR, Business, or Finance

CEBS or W@W Certifications

Master's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Workday

SAP

Job description

RESPECT to people, COURAGE to be pioneers and raise the bar, and always demonstrating INTEGRITY and authenticity. Do these core values align with yours? If so, Lhoist North America may be the place for you! We are a company that believes our people make it happen and rewards talent by offering opportunities to further develop your knowledge and interests. Within our organization, we offer safety first environments, collaboration across teams, diverse and inclusive workspaces all while challenging each other to grow.

Position Summary

The Benefits Manager supports and drives the ongoing evaluation, communication, and administration of employee benefit programs including health, disability, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment benefits, pension plans, and a 401(k) plan for approximately 1,600+ employees with an annual cost of over $24 million. This role also supports payroll and ensures compliance with reporting taxable fringe benefits, working closely with their manager. The position oversees and supports company-wide benefit programs and related system integrations with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities & Expectations

1. Support and implement benefit programs and communicate benefit information to employees and management, maintaining visibility at locations.
2. Participate in benefit and investment sub-committee meetings with senior leadership.
3. Manage relationships with benefit consultants, insurance companies, actuaries, and trustees to ensure consistent plan application.
4. Monitor taxable employee fringe benefits for IRS compliance, supported by payroll.
5. Develop technical proficiency in employee benefit programs to reduce reliance on outside consultants.
6. Administer group benefit plans efficiently and accurately, assisting employees with decision-making.
7. Streamline benefits processes, defining roles, responsibilities, tasks, and timelines.
8. Support vendor implementations and process improvements.
9. Collaborate on benefit integrations with vendors and internal teams.
10. Evaluate and recommend cost-effective benefit plans balancing employee benefits and cost containment.
11. Provide analysis for benefit issues related to acquisitions, mergers, and reductions.
12. Assist leadership with benefit issues, costs, and modeling for negotiations.
13. Develop and coordinate employee benefits education and communication plans.
14. Maintain high customer service levels during benefit enrollment and beyond.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Attributes

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with a focus on customer service.
• High-level knowledge of HR procedures, laws, and benefits policies.
• Ability to follow through and close tasks efficiently.
• Maintain confidentiality and interact professionally at all organizational levels.
• Commitment to ongoing education on benefit laws.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently, plan, organize, and delegate.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong sense of urgency and customer focus.
• Proficiency in data processing, analytics, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Family Medical Act, ADA, ERISA, and related laws.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Workday and SAP are a plus.

Physical Demands & Education

Physical demands include working in varied environments, lifting up to 50 pounds, and traveling up to 40%. Education required: Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience. Preferred: CEBS or W@W certifications, Master’s degree.

Experience

Minimum 5-10 years in benefit administration, with experience in manufacturing, construction, or mining environments preferred. A high level of knowledge in employee benefits law, HR, management, and accounting is essential. Six or more years of proven benefit management experience is preferred.

Additional Info

Lhoist North America offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) with employer match, and educational assistance. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified individuals.