Senior Benefits Specialist

We are seeking an experienced HR Benefits Lead to own and enhance our employee benefits function while helping build the infrastructure for a scalable, high-performing benefits team. This individual will serve as the subject matter expert for all aspects of benefits administration, ensuring compliance, improving employee experience, and partnering closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership of complex programs, improving existing processes, and creating a best-in-class benefits function . Key Responsibiliti esLead the end-to-end administration of employee benefits programs across a multi-state workforce spanning more than 30 state s.Manage all health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and voluntary benefit s.Own the administration of the company's 401(k) plan, ensuring timely and accurate retirement plan administration, non-discrimination testing, audits, and regulatory complianc e.Partner closely with payroll to ensure accurate deductions, benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and reconciliation of benefit dat a.Oversee leave administration, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability, long-term disability, and applicable state leave program s.Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefits across multiple jurisdiction s.Build strong relationships with insurance brokers, retirement plan advisors, and third-party administrators to negotiate plan design, control costs, and improve service level s.Analyze benefit utilization, market trends, and employee feedback to recommend enhancements to benefit offering s.Translate complex benefit plans into clear, employee-friendly communications that help employees make informed enrollment decision s.Develop scalable processes, documentation, and internal controls to support future team growt h.Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and escalated issue s. Qualificati ons7+ years of progressive HR benefits experience with ownership of end-to-end benefits administrati on.Experience supporting a multi-state employee population across 30 or more stat es.Deep knowledge of medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and voluntary benefit pla ns.Strong expertise in 401(k) administration, including retirement plan compliance, non-discrimination testing, annual reporting, and vendor manageme nt.Demonstrated experience administering FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, long-term disability, and state leave progra ms.Strong understanding of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable benefits regulatio ns.Experience partnering closely with payroll to ensure accurate benefit processing and complian ce.Proven ability to establish and manage strategic relationships with insurance brokers and benefit providers while evaluating plan design and cost-saving opportuniti es.Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex benefits information for employees and leadersh ip.Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skil ls. Preferred Backgr oundExperience stepping into an environment where benefits programs required stabilization and operational improvem ent.Takes ownership of critical programs, particularly the company's 401(k), ensuring every aspect of retirement administration is accurate and compliant rather than simply processing transacti ons.Comfortable bringing structure to under-managed programs and implementing sustainable proces ses.Proven ability to influence brokers and insurance carriers on pricing, plan design, and service expectati ons.Experience building or expanding an internal benefits function and mentoring future team memb #J-18808-Ljbffr