Total Rewards Operations Specialist

"Republic Bank believes in the development and advancement of our associates. We offer the opportunity to learn all aspects of the company to prepare for future advancement. Come join our team for a career, not just a job!" Grade 10 About Republic Bank Republic Bank's values are built upon making an IMPACT for our clients, our associates and the communities we serve. (IMPACT stands for Innovate for the Future, Make it Easy, Provide Exceptional Service, Acknowledge & Celebrate Success, Commit to Caring and Thrive Together) The associates of Republic Bank are the key to our success as an organization and we value our associates. It's one of the reasons we've been named as one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky for ten years! For more information about the company, please visit POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES This role will support daily benefits administration and provide cross‑functional support for compensation and Total Rewards programs. The role is responsible for ensuring a smooth employee experience, accurate vendor administration, and compliant processes. In addition to benefits operations, the role provides support during key compensation cycles and participates in data collection, communications, and project work across Total Rewards. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Minimum of 3 years of benefits administration experience required; total rewards exposure preferred. * Strong knowledge of benefits operations, compliance, and vendor coordination. * Solid Excel skills; comfort learning HRIS tools. * Strong customer service mindset and attention to detail. * Ability to manage multiple priorities and flex across Total Rewards workstreams. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Description - % of Time Spent Benefits Administration - 30% * Serve as primary contact for employees regarding health, welfare, retirement, and wellness benefits. * Manage life event processing, enrollments, beneficiary updates, and eligibility tracking. * Coordinate with carriers and vendors to resolve issues and ensure accurate file feeds, billing, and reporting. * Maintain documentation, compliance processes, and audit readiness (ACA, Section 125, ERISA, COBRA, etc.). Employee Support & Communication - 30% * Provide guidance to employees and managers on benefits policies and procedures. * Serve as first line of assistance for associate issue resolution by applying procedures, policies, knowledge base, and other reference materials. * Assist in developing benefits communications, campaigns, tools, and resources. * Support annual open enrollment planning, communications, testing, and execution. Total Rewards Support - 20% * Assist with compensation processes (data collection, audit, QA, communications) during merit, bonus, and market review cycles. * Perform ad-hoc job evaluations and market pricing, including partnering with business partners on job description creation and updates. * Provide general Total Rewards support across projects, surveys, and audit activities. * Participate in HR system updates, workflow improvements, and process documentation. Data & Reporting - 20% * Prepare recurring and ad‑hoc reports related to benefits, enrollment trends, vendor metrics, and Total Rewards programs. * Support cost analysis, vendor performance reviews, and RFP data gathering. * Maintain a working knowledge of compliance requirements affecting your position and area of responsibilities and actively learn new regulations and assist in the implementation, if required. * Model and foster behaviors that support the Bank's values and corporate culture creating an atmosphere of trust, cooperation, accountability, and dedication to the organization. * Willingly perform all other duties and projects as assigned. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED * Exceptional "people first" approach to issue resolution, leading with empathy. * Proven resourcefulness, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. * Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information with tact and discretion. * Ability to work professionally with a variety of people and personalities. * Strong oral and written communication skills. * Ability to meet deadlines and handle potentially stressful situations. * Ability to multi-task while adjusting to changing priorities. * Must be self-motivated and able to work in a team environment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The associate frequently is required to stand or walk. The associate is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, and distance vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. OTHER REQUIREMENTS * Travel between Republic Banking facilities may be required including occasional out of town travel. * Flexible work schedule may include some evenings, weekends and/or overtime. * Stay abreast of new developments, best practices, and statutory and regulatory changes.