Senior Benefits Analyst

Senior Benefits AnalystThere's never been a better time to join our team. The thousands of ESAB associates located around the world share a common set of goals and values that drive our success and unparalleled innovation in fabrication technology and specialty gas control equipment. At ESAB, we value and respect everyone's uniqueness and know that our experiences as individuals strengthen our company. And we know that our ability to collaborate, transform, and empower one another is what makes us unstoppable.With our culture of continuous improvement and innovation and our commitment to living our values, working at ESAB is a career experience like no other. We have more than 9,000 passionate associates in locations across six continents, and we empower our team members to shape the world we imagine every day.If you have a strong desire to be part of a team that delivers cutting-edge innovations and solutions and positively impacts the community, please check out our career opportunities. We help serve a diverse range of industries such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, robotics, shipbuilding, and so much more.Position SummaryThe Senior Benefits Analyst plays a key role in the administration, analysis, and continuous improvement of ESAB's employee benefits programs. This position supports the day-to-day management of health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave and disability benefits, and other employee benefit offerings.Working closely with HR Business Partners, Payroll, HRIS, Finance, and external vendors, the Senior Benefits Analyst ensures accurate benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and a positive associate experience. The role also supports benefits-related activities associated with mergers and acquisitions, system implementations, and ongoing process improvements.The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, analytical, and proactive benefits professional who can independently manage responsibilities, resolve complex issues, and effectively navigate a decentralized HR environment.Key ResponsibilitiesBenefits Administration & Associate Support:Support the day-to-day administration of U.S. employee benefits programs, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefits.Serve as an escalation point for complex associate inquiries involving benefits eligibility, enrollment, claims, and payroll deductions.Communicate directly with associates and retirees, including telephone correspondence, to resolve inquiries and provide guidance regarding benefit programs.Support annual Open Enrollment activities, including system testing, eligibility validation, enrollment communications, and post-enrollment audits.Prepare, maintain, and distribute associate benefits communications, including enrollment guides, newsletters, FAQs, notices, and educational materials.Partner with HR Business Partners to support benefits administration and communications associated with acquisitions and employee transitions.Maintain accurate benefits documentation, administrative procedures, and reference materials.Vendor & Partner Management:Coordinate with external benefits vendors, consultants, and third-party administrators to ensure effective administration and service delivery.Participate in vendor meetings, track outstanding issues, and coordinate follow-up activities.Review and analyze benefits data associated with acquisitions, vendor implementations, and ongoing eligibility file transmissions.Investigate and resolve vendor data discrepancies, enrollment errors, and administrative issues.Maintain and update benefits information within the Third-Party Administrator (TPA) benefits portal, including the Reference Center and associate-facing resources.Review vendor reports and administrative processes to identify opportunities for improved accuracy and efficiency.Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to support benefit plan changes and system enhancements.Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:Support compliance with federal and state regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other applicable benefits requirements.Assist with internal, external, and regulatory audits, including SOX, 401(k), pension, and benefits compliance reviews.Gather, validate, and organize supporting documentation for annual filings, audits, and regulatory reporting.Support annual compliance activities, including required notices, disclosures, and reporting.Partner with Legal, Finance, Payroll, and external advisors to address compliance-related questions and requirements.Maintain accurate records and documentation to support regulatory compliance and audit readiness.Data Management, Audits & Reporting:Review and validate benefits deduction files, payroll reports, vendor eligibility files, and error reports; investigate and resolve discrepancies.Conduct recurring audits and reconciliations involving 401(k), HSA, benefits enrollment, payroll deductions, and vendor integrations.Monitor data accuracy across Workday, benefits administration platforms, payroll systems, and external vendor systems.Identify and troubleshoot data discrepancies, including eligibility, coverage, contribution, and deduction issues.Prepare and distribute recurring benefits reports, including enrollment, participation, and operational reporting.Develop ad hoc reports and data analyses to support benefits integrations, acquisitions, and special projects.Assist with benefits budgeting, financial reconciliations, and analysis of program costs and trends.Identify opportunities to improve reporting accuracy, strengthen internal controls, and streamline administrative processes.HRIS, Payroll & Systems Support:Partner with HRIS and Payroll to ensure accurate benefits configurations, eligibility rules, deductions, and system integrations.Participate in system testing and validation activities associated with Open Enrollment, plan changes, and new benefit implementations.Review system-generated error reports and coordinate corrections with internal teams and external vendors.Support benefits data conversions, system updates, and integrations associated with acquisitions.Assist with the development and maintenance of standardized processes, reporting tools, and administrative controls.Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve data quality.Project Management & Continuous Improvement:Support benefits-related projects, including acquisitions, vendor implementations, annual renewals, and system enhancements.Coordinate project activities, track deliverables, and communicate updates to internal stakeholders.Collaborate with HR Business Partners and other cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of benefits initiatives.Identify process gaps and recommend improvements to enhance operational efficiency and the associate experience.Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and process documentation.Independently manage assigned projects and priorities while meeting established deadlines.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.Minimum of 5 years of experience in employee benefits administration, benefits analysis, or Total Rewards.Demonstrated understanding of U.S. employee benefits, including: self-funded medical, dental, and vision programs; 401(k) plan administration and compliance; Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and other tax-advantaged benefit programs; life insurance, disability, and voluntary benefits.Working knowledge of applicable benefits regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLA.Experience working with third-party benefits administration vendors and external benefit providers.Proven ability to work effectively in a decentralized HR environment with multiple stakeholders.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and resolve complex data and reporting discrepancies.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and data reconciliation.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong focus on associate experience and service delivery.Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple competing priorities.Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with Workday HRIS.Experience with Businessolver benefits administration platform.Experience supporting benefits administration and leave of absence for a multi-state U.S. workforce.Familiarity with payroll integrations, eligibility file transmissions, and benefits system testing.Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or employee benefits integrations.Experience assisting with SOX, 401(k), pension, or other benefits-related audits.Experience working in a publicly traded or multinational organization.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO):As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of sex, color, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age,