Benefits Specialist

📋 Description

• Manage the comprehensive administration of U.S. employee benefits, which encompasses medical, dental, vision, life, disability, leave programs, wellness, retirement, and other perks, from the onboarding process through open enrollment and employee separations, including COBRA support.

• Direct and facilitate the annual U.S. open enrollment process while coordinating global enrollment activities, such as vendor management, system setup, employee communications, enrollment verification, and conducting post-enrollment audits.

• Oversee the U.S. 401(k) retirement program, handling enrollments, contribution modifications, loans, distributions, catch-up contributions, and the coordination of annual 401(k) audits.

• Guarantee precise benefits enrollment, eligibility, and life event processing within the HRIS, conduct regular data quality assessments, and provide support for benefits-related reporting, billing, and allocations.

• Act as the primary resource for employees and managers regarding benefits inquiries, which include plan details, enrollment processes, claims concerns, status modifications, and retirement questions.

• Manage and process U.S. leaves of absence, covering medical, personal, disability, and FMLA leaves, while interpreting FMLA and ADA regulations in collaboration with HR leadership.

• Ensure ongoing compliance with relevant U.S. benefits and leave regulations, such as ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and ADA, while supporting compliance requirements for global benefits programs.

• Assist in global benefits administration, ensuring adherence to established protocols, guidelines, and global best practices.

• Serve as the main liaison with benefits brokers, carriers, retirement plan providers, and third-party administrators, collaborating closely with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate deductions, contributions, reconciliations, reporting, and record-keeping.

• Track benefits utilization, costs, and trends, delivering insights and recommendations to HR leadership regarding program effectiveness and competitiveness.

• Investigate, benchmark, and propose market-competitive benefits and recognition programs to enhance the global employee experience and strengthen the total rewards strategy.

• Create and maintain clear, employee-friendly benefits documentation and communications.

• Contribute to core HR functions, promoting continuous process improvement within People Operations.

• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of HR experience, with at least 3 years dedicated to U.S. benefits administration.

• Proven experience in managing U.S. 401(k) retirement plans, with direct involvement in annual audits.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, etc.).

• Experience in working with benefits brokers, carriers, and HRIS/benefits platforms.

• Familiarity with HRIS and benefits administration systems.

• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational capabilities, and the ability to handle confidential information.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, adept at supporting employees from diverse cultures and time zones.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

• Comfortable operating in a global, fast-paced, and remote-friendly environment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Career Growth: Advance with mentorship programs, leadership academies, and opportunities to shape company culture and DEI initiatives.

• Flex Fridays: Adjust your 40-hour week to enjoy a full or half day off on Fridays.

• Remote-First Culture: Work from the comfort of your home.

• Flexible PTO: Take the time you need, when you need it.

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family.

• Insurance Protection: Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability coverage.

• 401K with Match: Secure your future with our company-matched retirement savings.

• Paid Parental Leave: Support for new parents during life’s special moments.

• Wellness Perks: Access Headspace and enjoy monthly fitness reimbursements.

• Pet Insurance: Care for your furry family members.

• Speaker Series Bonus: Present in our monthly speaker series and earn a bonus.

• Book Reimbursement: Get up to 12 books reimbursed per year to fuel your learning.

• Bucket List Benefit: Celebrate milestones with annual contributions toward your dream adventures after 3 years.

• In-Office Perks: Enjoy catered lunches for our in-office team.