Benefits Specialist (51178)

Benefits Specialist

Gradian creates custom-engineered thermal management solutions for markets that thrive on flexibility, creativity, and bold ideas. From humble beginnings to becoming an emergent multi-brand manufacturing leader, we've grown by bringing in great people and empowering them to do great work. At Gradian, we believe innovation happens when everyone contributes, diversity of thought is celebrated, and people feel supported in their growth. We take pride in working hard together, tackling challenges, solving problems, and having fun along the way. As we expand into both emerging and mission-critical industries, we stay committed to delivering efficient, competitive, and sustainable heating and cooling technologies. And throughout your career here, you will have the chance to directly shape the foundation for what's next in our industry.

Position Summary: The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of the organization's employee benefits programs while supporting key Human Resources operations. This role ensures the accurate administration of employee benefits, leave programs, HRIS data management, compliance reporting, onboarding support, and employee communications. As a trusted member of the HR team, the Benefits Specialist partners with employees, leaders, vendors, and external partners to deliver an exceptional employee experience while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This position plays an integral role in supporting HR operational excellence by maintaining data integrity within the HRIS, serving as a backup resource for payroll processing, supporting HR metrics, and reporting, and identifying opportunities to improve HR processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Benefits Administration
• Leave Administration
• HRIS Administration
• HR Operations Support
• Payroll Support
• Vendor Management
• Compliance & Reporting
• HR Metrics & Analytics
• Employee Communication & Education

Qualifications Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Three to five (35) years of progressive experience administering employee benefits.
• Experience supporting leave administration, including FMLA, ADA, and workers' compensation.
• Strong HRIS experience utilizing systems such as Paycom, UKG, ADP Workforce Now, Workday, or similar platforms.
• Experience administering open enrollment and employee benefit programs.
• Working knowledge of ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and related employment regulations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to create reports, analyze data, and reconcile information.

Preferred:

• CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR, or related professional certification.
• Manufacturing or multi-site organizational experience.
• Experience supporting HRIS implementations or system optimization projects.
• Experience supporting payroll processing or payroll administration.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• Comprehensive knowledge of employee benefits administration and regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of HR operations and employee lifecycle processes.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong customer service orientation with a proactive, employee-focused mindset.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify opportunities to streamline processes.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across departments.

Success Measures:

• Maintain a high level of HRIS and benefits data accuracy through routine audits.
• Successfully administer annual open enrollment with minimal enrollment discrepancies.
• Deliver timely and compliant administration of leave programs.
• Serve as an effective backup for payroll processing.
• Develop standardized HR metrics and dashboards to support leadership decision-making.
• Build strong partnerships with employees, vendors, and internal stakeholders while delivering exceptional customer service.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, and the employee experience.

Working Conditions:

• This position primarily operates in a professional office environment with regular use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Occasional travel between company locations may be required.