Sr Benefits Specialist

As the Senior Benefits Specialist, you will play a critical role in delivering and evolving a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees across the U.S. and globally. Reporting to the Director of Total Rewards, this position owns the day‑to‑day execution of benefits operations while contributing to key initiatives that enhance the employee experience, strengthen compliance, and modernize how benefits are delivered. This role offers a unique opportunity to work across a broad scope of responsibilities, including benefits administration, leave management, compliance, financial processes, and system implementations. The Senior Benefits Specialist will partner cross‑functionally with Payroll, HRIS, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless operations, data accuracy, and successful rollout of benefits administration and wellness platforms. Ideal for someone who thrives in both operational and project‑based environments, this role drives meaningful impact by improving processes, supporting global benefits programs, and helping shape a more efficient, scalable, and employee‑centric benefits function. What You Will Do Administer end-to-end employee benefits processes, including enrollments, qualifying life events (QLEs), terminations, and dependent eligibility, ensuring accuracy and a seamless employee experience Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, resolving complex issues and acting as an advocate in navigating benefits and leave situations Oversee and coordinate leave of absence programs (FMLA, ADA, STD, and state leave) with third‑party administrator, ensuring compliance, documentation, and coordination with applicable regulations Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate processing of benefit deductions and leave‑related pay, including reconciliations, arrears, and adjustments Ensure compliance with all applicable benefits regulations (e.g., ACA, Medicare Part D, CMS), including required notices, reporting, and adherence to deadlines Conduct audits and reconciliations of benefits data, payroll deductions, vendor files, and financials (including 401(k) remittances) to ensure accuracy, compliance, and risk mitigation Manage relationships with benefits vendors and third‑party administrators, including resolving complex claims, eligibility issues, and escalations Analyze benefits and leave data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency Lead coordination of global benefits administration and implementation efforts, ensuring alignment with local regulations and organizational standards Lead planning and execution of open enrollment, including system readiness, employee communications, vendor coordination, and post‑enrollment reconciliation Support implementation and ongoing optimization of benefits administration and wellness platforms, including configuration validation, UAT testing, issue resolution, and partnering with HRIS to enhance system functionality, integrations, and data integrity Plan and execute wellness initiatives, including employee communications, event coordination, and tracking engagement and participation metrics, while documenting processes and implementing enhancements to improve efficiency and effectiveness Perform other duties as assigned What We Are Looking For Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related is a plus. 5+ years of progressive benefits experience, including ownership of benefits operations and compliance processes. Experience with benefits administration across the employee lifecycle (enrollment, QLEs, terminations). Experience with leave management (FMLA, ADA, STD, and state leave programs) and coordination with payroll. Experience with benefits compliance and regulatory requirements (e.g., ACA, Medicare Part D, required notices). Experience supporting benefits or HR system implementations, including testing (UAT), validation of configurations, and issue resolution, preferred. Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with a high level of discretion. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify discrepancies and resolve issues effectively. Advanced proficiency in Excel and/or Google Sheets for data analysis, audits, and reconciliations. Experience working in HRIS systems (UKG preferred) and Microsoft Office or equivalent tools. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly to employees and stakeholders. Ability to work cross‑functionally with Payroll, HRIS, Finance, and internal teams. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee, but provide the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. What we offer The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi‑state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states. Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company‑paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&DD insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pre‑tax or post‑tax deferrals, short and long‑term disability, and tuition reimbursement. Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday through Thursday on‑site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects. Reasonable Accommodations To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Jazwares