Location(s): Franklin, TN
Job Schedule: Full-time - Hybrid - in office Monday-Thursday
Education Requirement: Bachelor's
Sponsorship: No
The Senior Benefits Analyst serves as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert responsible for the analysis and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs across a large, complex, multi-state/province organization. This role supports a diverse employee population that may include salaried, hourly, field-based, manufacturing, distribution, technical, and executive employees throughout the United States and Canada.
The position combines deep benefits expertise with strategic analytics to ensure benefit programs remain competitive, financially sustainable, compliant, and aligned with organizational objectives. The Senior Benefits Analyst evaluates market trends, utilization patterns, regulatory developments, and workforce demographics to develop recommendations that enhance employee well-being, improve operational effectiveness, and support the organization's Total Rewards strategy.
A critical aspect of this role is serving as a fiduciary steward of employee benefit programs. The incumbent is entrusted with protecting the interests of plan participants, promoting employee wellness and financial security, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining the integrity of benefit plan operations and decision-making processes.
The Senior Benefits Analyst works closely with HR leadership, Legal, Finance, Payroll, Procurement, external consultants, brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to deliver a high-quality benefits experience while effectively managing risk and cost.
A Day in the Life: Strategic Benefits Analysis & Planning- Continuously analyze the external market to proactively address macroeconomic factors impacting wellness plans
- Identify opportunities for enhancement based on market benchmarking data and analysis of benefit program performance, utilization trends, employee demographics, claims experience, etc.
- Support strategic assessments of plan design, competitiveness, employee value, and cost effectiveness.
- Support data-driven recommendations to align benefit strategy, employee wellness initiatives, and workforce attraction and retention objectives.
- Monitor emerging industry trends, legislative developments, and best practices to inform future program direction.
- Support long-range planning and annual benefits strategy discussions through comprehensive reporting and analysis.
Benefits Administration & Program Management- Support the Benefit Managers with the administration of health and welfare, retirement, wellness, disability, leave, and voluntary benefit programs.
- Serve as benefits coordinator for various procurement processes ensuring smooth administration
- Partner with internal stakeholders and vendors to enhance the employee benefits experience.
Fiduciary Oversight & Employee Advocacy- Act as a steward of employee benefit programs by ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of plan participants and beneficiaries.
- Support initiatives that promote employee health, well-being, financial security, and access to quality benefits.
- Ensure benefit programs are administered fairly, consistently, and in accordance with plan provisions and governing regulations.
- Evaluate participant feedback and utilization data to identify opportunities for improving employee outcomes and engagement.
Compliance, Governance & Risk Management- Maintain compliance with applicable federal and state regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, Medicare, Section 125, and other benefit-related requirements.
- Support audits, regulatory reviews, and government reporting activities.
- Coordinate and maintain required plan documentation, notices, filings, and disclosures.
- Assist in the preparation and management of Form 5500 filings, Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs), and other regulatory materials.
- Monitor vendor performance and adherence to contractual obligations and service-level agreements.
Vendor, Contract & Procurement Management- Support benefit procurement activities, vendor selection processes, and request-for-proposal (RFP) initiatives.
- Maintain benefit vendor agreements, contracts, statements of work, and procurement documentation.
- Support benefit leadership in the partnership with Procurement, Legal, and Finance to evaluate vendor performance, manage renewals, and ensure contractual compliance.
- Participate in vendor governance meetings and recommend service improvements where appropriate.
- Ensure benefit program records, contracts, and supporting documentation are maintained in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Who We're Looking for: Required:- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience administering employee benefit programs within a large, complex organization or similar experience in a professional consulting capacity.
- Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Experience working with multiple employee populations across various geographic locations.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Experience managing vendors, consultants, and third-party administrators.
- Proficiency with HRIS, benefits administration systems, and reporting tools.
Preferred:- CEBS, CBP, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, or related certification.
- Experience in Benefits consulting
- Experience supporting non-union employee groups.
- Experience with benefits procurement, vendor negotiations, and contract administration.
- Advanced reporting, analytics, and dashboard development skills.
Core CompetenciesStrategic & Consultative Competencies:1. Benefits Strategy & Business Acumen- Aligns benefit programs with organizational objectives, workforce needs, and Total Rewards strategy.
2. Analytical Thinking- Uses quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and support decision-making.
3. Fiduciary Responsibility- Demonstrates sound judgment and stewardship in managing programs affecting employee health, wellness, and financial security.
4. Consultative Partnership- Builds trusted relationships and provides expert guidance to leaders, HR partners, and employees.
5. Regulatory & Compliance Expertise- Applies comprehensive knowledge of applicable benefit laws and regulations to minimize organizational risk.
Leadership & Execution Competencies: 1. Vendor and Stakeholder Management- Effectively manages relationships with carriers, consultants, administrators, and internal business partners.
2. Project Management- Successfully coordinates multiple priorities, implementations, renewals, and annual enrollment activities.
3. Process Improvement- Identifies efficiencies and implements solutions that improve service delivery, compliance, and employee experience.
4. Communication & Influence- Translates complex benefit concepts into clear, actionable information for diverse audiences.
5. Employee-Centric Mindset- Maintains a strong commitment to supporting employee well-being, engagement, and positive benefit outcomes.
Why This Role MattersThe Senior Benefits Analyst plays a critical role in shaping the employee experience by ensuring benefit programs are competitive, compliant, sustainable, and aligned with the organization's commitment to employee wellness. Through strategic analysis, fiduciary stewardship, strong governance, and consultative partnership, this role helps protect the organization's investment in its people while supporting the health, financial security, and overall well-being of employees and their families.
What You'll Look Forward to at Nissan:Career Growth and Continuous Learning Opportunities: Benefit from diverse career paths, cross-departmental moves, and innovative learning platforms. Enhance your skills through seminars, leadership training, and tuition reimbursement programs, all while playing a vital role in shaping the future of transportation. From day one, you'll have the support to tackle challenges and contribute to impactful solutions across our organization.
Rewards: Be supported with a Comprehensive Benefits Package, including medical, mental health, parental leave, retirement savings & unique Nissan perks, including discounts on lease vehicles as part of our Employee Lease Program and a Vehicle Purchase Program (VPP). For more information, access our Nissan Benefits Overview Guide.
Built for Your Best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXuame0vwiw&list=PLki2k0CDxrPe8V6WmEeEdhj1fosRD-JQa
Franklin Tennessee United States of America
