Benefits Consultant

Benefits ConsultantWe are seeking an experienced Benefits Consultant to join our fully remote team. The Benefits Consultant owns the full lifecycle of benefits and 401(k) administration across a portfolio of small and mid-sized employers. This role blends hands-on plan administration with consultative guidance — helping clients design, implement, and run benefits programs that fit their workforce, budget, and compliance obligations. The ideal candidate comes from a brokerage or benefits consulting background and is comfortable shifting between strategic plan design conversations and the operational details of enrollment, billing, and carrier coordination.Key ResponsibilitiesHealth & Welfare Benefits AdministrationManage day-to-day administration of medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary, FSA/HSA, and COBRA programs across multiple client groupsLead annual open enrollment from start to finish — strategy, communications, system build, employee education sessions, and post-enrollment auditsProcess new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations; coordinate with carriers, payroll, and HRIS platformsReconcile carrier invoices and resolve eligibility, billing, and claims escalationsMaintain plan documents, SPDs, SBCs, and required compliance notices401(k) and Retirement Plan AdministrationAdminister 401(k) plans including enrollments, contribution changes, loans, distributions, and rolloversCoordinate payroll-to-recordkeeper data flows; reconcile contributions and resolve discrepancies across platforms like Guideline, Paycom, Gusto, and PaylocitySupport plan audits, year-end compliance testing, Form 5500 filings, and required participant disclosuresPartner with plan advisors and recordkeepers on plan design changes, fund reviews, and fiduciary best practicesCompliance and Risk ManagementMaintain working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, IRS Section 125, and state-specific benefits requirementsManage required reporting and notices including 1094/1095, Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage, and Summary Annual ReportsIdentify compliance risks and partner with internal SMEs and external counsel as neededClient and Vendor ManagementServe as the primary day-to-day benefits contact for assigned client accountsManage relationships with carriers, brokers, TPAs, and recordkeepersSupport renewals and RFPs in partnership with broker partners; analyze plan utilization, costs, and benchmarking data to inform recommendationsEmployee Communications and EducationBuild and deliver benefits communications, enrollment guides, and education sessions tailored to each client's culture and audienceRespond to employee questions with clarity and empathy, translating plan language into plain EnglishQualifications Required5+ years of progressive benefits administration experience, with at least 2 years in a brokerage, benefits consulting firm, or PEO/HR outsourcing environmentHands-on experience administering both health & welfare and 401(k) plans for small and mid-sized employersDemonstrated success in a client-facing, consulting, or multi-client HR support environmentWorking knowledge of major HRIS and payroll platforms (Paycom, Gusto, Paylocity, BambooHR, or similar)Familiarity with 401(k) recordkeeping platforms (Guideline, Vestwell, Empower, Fidelity, or similar)Strong understanding of federal and multi-state benefits complianceExcellent written and verbal communication, with comfort presenting to both employees and leadershipPrior experience working in a fully remote rolePreferredCEBS, GBA, RPA, PHR/SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP certificationExperience supporting multiple client accounts simultaneouslyCompensation and Benefits:Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 annuallyBenefits Package: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, STD, LTD, PTO, paid holidays, professional development assistance, and 401(k) matchingWe are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. RCR Consulting