Benefits Specialist

Join a global leader where integrity, collaboration, and professional growth are at the heart of everything we do. At Gallagher, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping Gallagher's future and unlocking unparalleled opportunities for clients and yourself – while experiencing The Gallagher Way, a culture fueled by shared values and a collective passion for excellence. Position Summary: Our client in the Energy industry is looking for a Benefits Specialist to work alongside their team in Houston, TX. The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration, communication, and compliance of their domestic employee benefits programs. This role serves as a primary point of contact for employees, vendors, and internal stakeholders regarding health and welfare benefits, leave of absence programs, retirement-related benefits, COBRA, and employee eligibility. The Benefits Specialist ensures accurate benefit administration, exceptional employee support, regulatory compliance, and effective coordination with carriers, third-party administrators, payroll, and HR partners. Key Responsibilities Include the Following: Respond to employee, carrier, and Benefits Advocate Center inquiries regarding benefits programs and policies. Review and approve dependent eligibility documentation and process qualified life event changes. Administer National Medical Support Notices (NMSN), including required employee communications and coverage updates. Serve as the primary liaison for COBRA administration, eligibility, and subsidy processing. Manage retiree medical and SERP plan eligibility, open enrollment materials, participant communications, and direct-bill premium administration. Coordinate and process life insurance, AD&D, and related death claims, providing support to beneficiaries and family members. Administer paid and unpaid leave programs, including FMLA, disability, workers' compensation, military, personal, and maternity leaves. Serve as subject matter expert on regulations, policies and practices. Support employees transitioning from international assignments through benefits enrollment and education. Manage HSA and FSA administration, including contribution processing, funding, vendor coordination, and issue resolution. Audit benefit deductions and partner with Payroll to resolve discrepancies. Collaborate with benefits vendors (BSWIFT) and system administrators to resolve enrollment, eligibility, and data integrity issues. Support annual benefits renewals and open enrollment activities, including employee communications, system configuration, meetings, and carrier file management. Lead open enrollment meetings in person and virtually. May involve travel. Qualifications Include the Following: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. 5+ years of benefits administration experience. Strong knowledge of health and welfare benefits, COBRA, FMLA, disability, and leave administration. Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems (BSWIFT experience strongly preferred). Strong customer service, communication, organizational, and analytical skills. Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion. CEBS or related benefits certification. Experience supporting large, multi-state employee populations. Knowledge of payroll deduction auditing and benefits compliance. This position requires a detail-oriented professional who can effectively manage complex benefits programs while delivering a high level of service to employees and stakeholders. #J-18808-Ljbffr