An organization is seeking an experienced Senior Benefits Specialist to take ownership of benefits administration and support ongoing enhancements to employee benefit programs. This role will focus on ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, maintaining compliance, and driving improvements across systems and processes that support both U.S. and international employees.
This position partners closely with cross-functional teams to ensure data accuracy, efficient workflows, and a high level of service delivery. It is well-suited for a professional who enjoys a mix of operational execution and project-based initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities
Benefits Operations
- Administer employee benefits programs across the full lifecycle, including enrollments, status changes, and terminations
- Ensure accuracy and consistency in all benefits transactions and employee records
- Address and resolve employee inquiries, including complex or sensitive benefits-related issues
Leave Administration
- Manage and coordinate leave programs such as FMLA, ADA accommodations, disability, and state-specific leaves
- Work with third-party providers to ensure compliance, proper documentation, and timely case handling
- Partner internally to ensure alignment between leave tracking and payroll processing
Payroll & Reconciliation
- Collaborate with Payroll to ensure proper deductions, adjustments, and leave-related pay accuracy
- Perform audits and reconciliations of benefits data, vendor billing, and retirement contributions
- Identify and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
Compliance Oversight
- Support adherence to applicable federal, state, and regulatory requirements related to employee benefits
- Prepare and distribute required notices and assist with reporting obligations
- Participate in audit activities and help mitigate compliance risks
Vendor Coordination
- Maintain relationships with external benefits providers and administrators
- Troubleshoot escalations related to eligibility, claims, and service issues
- Monitor vendor performance and support continuous improvement efforts
Analytics & Process Enhancement
- Review benefits and leave data to identify trends and areas for improvement
- Recommend process enhancements to increase efficiency and accuracy
- Assist in developing scalable solutions to support organizational growth
Global Benefits Support
- Contribute to the administration of benefits programs outside the U.S., ensuring alignment with local practices and regulations
Projects & Initiatives
- Support and lead open enrollment activities, including planning, communication, and post-event reconciliation
- Assist with implementation and optimization of benefits systems, including testing and issue resolution
- Participate in wellness and employee engagement initiatives, tracking participation and outcomes
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years of experience in benefits administration with increasing responsibility
- Hands-on experience managing leave programs and benefits compliance
- Strong understanding of benefits processes across the employee lifecycle
Technical & Professional Skills
- Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills, including auditing and data analysis
- Experience with HRIS and benefits platforms (UKG or similar systems preferred)
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Effective communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly
- Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion
Success Profile
- Detail-oriented and highly organized
- Solutions-driven with strong analytical thinking
- Able to work collaboratively across departments
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Committed to delivering a high-quality employee experience
