<p>SUMMARY</p> <p>The Benefits & Leave Specialist is a seasoned HR professional responsible for the strategic and operational administration of employee benefit and leave programs. This role supports the Human Resources department by ensuring the efficient delivery, compliance, and optimization of benefits and leave-related functions, while serving as a key resource for internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of benefits compliance, vendor management, and employee support, and plays a critical role in maintaining regulatory adherence and enhancing the employee experience.</p> <p>ESSTENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <ul> <li> <p>Serve as the primary liaison between the company and benefit plan providers, brokers, and third-party administrators (TPAs)</p> </li><li> <p>Lead the research, evaluation, and recommendation of benefits programs and vendor partnerships that align with organizational goals, employee needs, and cost-effectiveness</p> </li><li> <p>Analyze and refine internal benefits administration processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee end-to-end benefits administration, including:</p> </li><li> <p>New hire enrollments and terminations</p> </li><li> <p>Life event changes</p> </li><li> <p>COBRA administration</p> </li><li> <p>Leave of absence processing (FMLA, STD, LTD, ADA)</p> </li><li> <p>Death, accident, and disability claims</p> </li><li> <p>Hardship withdrawals and retirement distributions</p> </li><li> <p>Lead the full-cycle open enrollment process, including planning, system setup, employee communication, coordination with vendors, and ensuring accurate and timely enrollment elections and changes.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure ongoing accuracy and maintenance of benefits records in HRIS and payroll systems; audit for compliance and reconciliation with vendor records.</p> </li><li> <p>Works with Payroll regarding payroll related items and health insurance benefits, PTO and LOA's.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain comprehensive documentation of all benefits and leave processes, update policies and procedures regularly in alignment with regulatory changes.</p> </li><li> <p>Administer the company's 401(k) and retirement savings plans, including eligibility tracking, contribution processing, compliance testing, and required filings.</p> </li><li> <p>Stay current on federal, state, and local employment laws and benefit regulations; ensure organizational compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other applicable legislation.</p> </li><li> <p>Coordinate and respond to audits and data requests from regulatory agencies or internal stakeholders (e.g., DOL, IRS, external auditors).</p> </li><li> <p>Assists Health, Environment and Safety team with workers compensation claims.</p> </li><li> <p>Develop and deliver employee communication strategies to promote understanding and utilization of benefits, including materials, presentations, and one-on-one support.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide high-level support to employees and management regarding benefits, leaves of absence, and payroll-related matters, offering guidance, education, and resolution.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborate with HR leadership in developing and implementing departmental goals, strategies, and initiatives to support organizational growth and employee engagement.</p> </li></ul> <p>QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required. </li><li>Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, leave management, and comprehensive knowledge of benefits-related compliance and regulations. </li><li>Extensive knowledge of benefits regulations, including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws. </li><li>Experience managing vendor relationships, negotiating renewals, and overseeing open enrollment processes. </li><li>Proficiency in HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., Paycor, Employee Navigator, Springbuk); strong Microsoft Excel skills required. </li><li>Exceptional organizational and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy. </li><li>Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity. </li><li>Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels of the organization. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and drive results in a fast-paced environment. </li></ul>