Position Overview:
The Senior Benefits Specialist serves as the organization's Benefits Subject Matter Expert (SME) and is responsible for the administration, compliance, operations, and continuous improvement of employee benefits and retirement programs. This senior-level individual contributor role independently manages complex benefits operations, including Workday Benefits administration, ACA compliance and reporting, COBRA administration, 401(k) plan administration, compliance testing, vendor management, and benefits integrations while ensuring regulatory compliance and an exceptional employee experience.
Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Senior Benefits Analyst coordinates benefit and retirement plan administration, employee education and communications, vendor performance, and operational improvements. This coordination ensures consistent program delivery, timely issue resolution, and clear employee communications.
Key Result Areas:
- Regular assessment of benefit plans to ensure alignment with employee needs and company objectives.
- Actionable insights provided to senior leadership for informed decision-making.
- Effective communication and problem resolution with vendors and stakeholders.
- Timely implementation of regulatory updates through adjustments to program administration, including changes related to ACA, ERISA, and HIPAA.
- Comprehensive audits with accurate records and documentation.
- Increased employee engagement with benefits programs, measured through participation rates and satisfaction surveys.
- Clear, accessible communication regarding benefits delivered across various channels.
- Successful execution of cross-functional benefits initiatives within deadlines.
- Improved benefits and retirement program administration through the creation, streamlining, and implementation of company processes and tools.
- Successful implementation of new benefit programs, projects, and annual enrollment in partnership with the Health and Welfare Director.
- Benefits program subject matter expertise provided in alignment with the Health and Welfare Director, VP of Total Rewards & HR Operations, and Legal, and under their general direction and guidance.
- Effective in-person collaboration, including participation in occasional impromptu in-person meetings.
Skills:
- Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Proficient Workday Knowledge
Job Qualifications:
- BA/BS in Business, Human Resources, Administration, Finance, or a related field, required
- 5+ years in benefits administration, required
- Demonstrated experience managing the administration of employee benefits programs and 401(k) plan operations.
- Working knowledge of ERISA, IRS and Department of Labor requirements, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, and applicable state and local leave requirements.
- Experience with PTO administration, payroll coordination, benefits reconciliation, vendor management, and HRIS platforms.
- Strong analytical, project management, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
- Experience administering PTO and sick leave programs.
- Ability to independently manage the administration of complex programs while prioritizing competing deadlines and influencing stakeholders across departments.
- High level of discretion when handling confidential employee, compensation, health benefits, and retirement plan information.
Location Requirement:
This role is located in Tempe, Arizona. This position is required to be in office 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs); Fridays are optional remote work days.
Physical Requirements:
- In-Office Environment: Must be able to work in a busy, crowded, and loud office with frequent distractions and interruptions
- Office Conditions: Adaptability to typical office conditions, which may include exposure to air conditioning, heating, artificial lighting, and varying noise levels
- Mobility: Ability to sit, stand, reach, twist, stretch, and work at a desk for long stretches. Must be able to occasionally move or lift office items up to 25 pounds
- Hearing Requirements: Hearing must be sufficient or correctable to ensure clear understanding of spoken information, including participating in virtual meetings and phone calls. Use of hearing aids or other assistive devices is acceptable if needed.
- Reading and Writing Proficiency: Ability to read and write in English is essential for processing documents, drafting reports, and following up on necessary actions. Proficiency in written communication is required to handle job-related tasks effectively.
- Vision Requirements: Vision must be adequate or correctable to perform essential job duties, such as reading documents on a computer screen and using other visual tools. Use of corrective lenses or other measures to meet visual requirements is expected if needed.
- Technology Proficiency: Must be proficient in operating a computer and other office productivity tools such as printers, scanners, and collaboration software.
- Effective Communication: Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members, clients, and other stakeholders via email, video conferencing, and other in office communication tools.
Compensation:
DOE
