Senior Benefits Specialist (Plantation)

The Senior Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in delivering and evolving a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees across the U.S. and globally. Reporting to the Director of Total Rewards, this position owns the day-to-day execution of benefits operations while contributing to key initiatives that enhance the employee experience, strengthen compliance, and modernize how benefits are delivered.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work across a broad scope of responsibilities, including benefits administration, leave management, compliance, financial processes, and system implementations. The Senior Benefits Specialist will partner cross-functionally with Payroll, HRIS, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless operations, data accuracy, and successful rollout of benefits administration and wellness platforms.

Ideal for someone who thrives in both operational and project-based environments, this role drives meaningful impact by improving processes, supporting global benefits programs, and helping shape a more efficient, scalable, and employee-centric benefits function.

Essential Functions

1. Administer end-to-end employee benefits processes, including enrollments, qualifying life events (QLEs), terminations, and dependent eligibility, ensuring accuracy and a seamless employee experience
2. Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, resolving complex issues and acting as an advocate in navigating benefits and leave situations
3. Oversee and coordinate leave of absence programs (FMLA, ADA, STD, and state leave) with third-party administrator, ensuring compliance, documentation, and coordination with applicable regulations
4. Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate processing of benefit deductions and leave-related pay, including reconciliations, arrears, and adjustments
5. Ensure compliance with all applicable benefits regulations (e.g., ACA, Medicare Part D, CMS), including required notices, reporting, and adherence to deadlines
6. Conduct audits and reconciliations of benefits data, payroll deductions, vendor files, and financials (including 401(k) remittances) to ensure accuracy, compliance, and risk mitigation
7. Manage relationships with benefits vendors and third-party administrators, including resolving complex claims, eligibility issues, and escalations
8. Analyze benefits and leave data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency
9. Lead coordination of global benefits administration and implementation efforts, ensuring alignment with local regulations and organizational standards
10. Lead planning and execution of open enrollment, including system readiness, employee communications, vendor coordination, and post-enrollment reconciliation
11. Support implementation and ongoing optimization of benefits administration and wellness platforms, including configuration validation, UAT testing, issue resolution, and partnering with HRIS to enhance system functionality, integrations, and data integrity
12. Plan and execute wellness initiatives, including employee communications, event coordination, and tracking engagement and participation metrics, while documenting processes and implementing enhancements to improve efficiency and effectiveness
13. Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of progressive benefits experience, including ownership of benefits operations and compliance processes
• Experience with benefits administration across the employee lifecycle (enrollment, QLEs, terminations)
• Experience with leave management (FMLA, ADA, STD, and state leave programs) and coordination with payroll
• Experience with benefits compliance and regulatory requirements (e.g., ACA, Medicare Part D, required notices)
• Experience supporting benefits or HR system implementations, including testing (UAT), validation of configurations, and issue resolution, preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with a high level of discretion
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify discrepancies and resolve issues effectively
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and/or Google Sheets for data analysis, audits, and reconciliations
• Experience working in HRIS systems (UKG preferred) and Microsoft Office or equivalent tools
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly to employees and stakeholders
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Payroll, HRIS, Finance, and internal teams