Senior Benefits Specialist

The Lead Benefits Specialist is a key, non-managerial role responsible for the effective administration, delivery, compliance, strategic planning, benchmarking, and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs. Serving as a primary subject-matter specialist for benefits operations and plan effectiveness, this role supports the design and evolution of benefit offerings to ensure they are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with Vestas’ total rewards philosophy, employee value proposition, and workforce needs across the employee lifecycle The role partners closely with HR Business Partners, Total Rewards, payroll, vendors, external advisors, leaders, and communications to support the implementation and ongoing management of benefits initiatives. The role contributes data-driven insights, market benchmarking, plan design recommendations, and process improvement ideas to support the evolution of benefits strategy and improve the employee experience. This position requires advanced technical knowledge of benefits programs, well-developed project and vendor management skills, and the ability to collaborate and partner with stakeholders without direct supervisory responsibility Responsibilities: Design and implement presentations, employee and leadership education, and updates on changing laws, market trends, and benefit plan changes in partnership with communications and relevant stakeholders. Resolve employee questions and problems by interpreting benefit policies and procedures Reconcile benefits accounts, complete payment with vendor, and look for trends and efficiencies in the data Ensure benefit programs are administered in compliance with plan documents and applicable federal and state regulations Develop and maintain trusted partnership with line managers to create value and help reach business goals Build relationships internally and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, i.e. HRIS, Legal, Finance/Accounting department Manage day-to-day administration and continuous improvement of medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement plan elements, voluntary benefits, FSA/HSA, COBRA, and leave programs Act as the primary internal benefits specialist for benefits-related policy interpretation, regulatory compliance (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA and relevant state laws), and plan documentation Manage relationships with benefits vendors and brokers: conduct vendor selection/support, oversee service level agreements, resolve escalations, and ensure high-quality service delivery. Serve as project lead for benefits initiatives (open enrollment, plan design changes, vendor implementations, benefit system upgrades, wellness programs), including timeline, stakeholder coordination, testing, communications, and launch. Develop and maintain benefits documentation, plan summaries, SPD drafts, and SOPs to reflect current programs and processes. Perform benefits analytics, market benchmarking, and reporting, including cost trends, utilization, enrollment, employee needs, and competitive positioning, to inform decision making, budgeting, renewal negotiations, and benefit plan improvement opportunities. Support benefits strategy planning by translating benchmarking, utilization, employee feedback, regulatory changes, and business priorities into actionable recommendations for plan design, governance, communications, and continuous improvement. Coordinate open enrollment strategy and execution, including plan modeling, decision support tools, communication campaigns, leadership and employee education sessions, and post-enrollment review to identify future improvements. Partner with HRIS/payroll teams to maintain accurate benefits data, perform system audits, manage feeds and integrations, and support test cycles for benefits-related changes. Provide advanced casework and guidance on complex employee inquiries, variance approvals, and escalations; ensure consistent, compliant, and timely resolution. Work closely with the compensation/total rewards team to align benefits strategy, plan design, and employee experience initiatives with Vestas’ total rewards philosophy, employee value proposition, attraction and retention objectives, and broader workforce strategy. Ensure timely preparation and submission of required filings and reports; support internal and external audits as needed. Train HR generalists and other stakeholders on benefits policies, processes, and tools. All other duties as assigned Essential Functions: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite computer skills (Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and other software programs, and internet research. Ability to utilize database systems and third-party systems Ability to interact frequently with others in a professional, courteous manner Ability to be self-motivated and take initiative to understand and solve issues within their responsibilities Regular and steady attendance Solid background in benefits strategy, plan design, and compliance Solid project management skills and ability to coordinate cross-functional workstreams Solid structured approach and experience with financial modeling Effective written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing communications for employees and leaders. High attention to detail and commitment to documentation and process consistency. Persuasion and stakeholder management skills without direct authority Problem solving under ambiguity and the ability to balance competing priorities. Education, Training, and Skills Required: Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business or equivalent combination of experience/education Minimum 5 years’ experience in analysis, design or administration of employee benefit programs, including compliance with federal and state laws, preferably in self-insured environment Knowledge of federal laws and guidelines, including but not limited to COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, USERRA, FMLA and DOL Skilled customer relations, analytical and problem-solving skills Solid verbal and written communication skills Ability to act with limited supervision and exercise judgment and discretion within the scope of the position; able to make decisions quickly and appropriately Previous experience in a large, multi-state or global organization. Preferred Requirements: Experience in a self-insured benefits environment, including plan renewals, claims/utilization analysis, and vendor performance management. Advanced Excel and analytical skills, including experience with cost trends, utilization, audits, reconciliations, and benefits reporting. CEBS, CBP, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred. Experience with vendor implementations, M&A/acquisition integration, or benefits harmonization preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vestas