Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering and managing an organization's employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. This role ensures these programs are current, compliant, and competitive, while also assisting employees with enrollment, claims, and general inquiries.

ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.

Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:

• Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work.
• Managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of employee benefits programs, such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.
• Regularly review, reconcile, and prepare carrier invoices for benefits programs, ensuring accurate submission to Finance for payment and reporting.
• Assisting new employees with the enrollment process and ensuring accurate data entry as well as assisting with the annual Open Enrollment process, including the preparation of communication materials, system configuration in the HRIS, and coordination with third-party vendors to ensure a seamless experience.
• Educating employees about their benefits options, changes to plans, and how to utilize their benefits.
• Helping employees navigate the claims process and resolve any issues related to their benefits.
• Staying up-to-date on relevant regulations and ensuring the organization's benefits programs comply with all applicable laws and guidelines.
• Providing guidance and interpretation of benefits policies and procedures to employees and management
• Interacting with insurance brokers, benefits carriers, and other vendors to ensure smooth operations and effective plan management.
• Analyzing benefits data, preparing reports, and identifying trends to improve program effectiveness
• Assisting employees with retirement planning, including understanding their options and managing their retirement accounts.
• Supporting and promoting employee wellness programs and initiatives.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits, providing timely and accurate information and resolution of issues.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local benefits regulations (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA); manage ACA tracking and assist with 1095-C preparation and distribution.
• Assist with benefits administration processes including payroll deductions, benefit arrears, and invoice reconciliation, partner with finance and payroll teams for accurate reporting.
• Analyze benefits utilization and employee engagement metrics to measure program effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Collaborate with HR team on benefits-driven recruitment and retention initiatives; support the preparation of the annual benefits budget.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records with all benefits vendors and internal systems.
• Deliver ongoing employee support, and communication to drive awareness and understanding of available benefit offerings.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)

• Benefit inquiry response time
• Successfully implementation of open enrollment
• Timely preparation of carrier invoices
• Compliance adherence
• Data accuracy and auditing
• COBRA administration
• LOA and FMLA coordination

Qualifications and Skills

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources or related field required.
• Three to five years of benefits experience required.
• Extensive knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Extensive knowledge of human resource laws, regulations and best practices.
• In depth understanding of state and local laws governing leave such as ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA to ensure compliance
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office-Excel-Intermediate to advanced level with some understanding of payroll system is highly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software

Core Competencies

• Customer service mindset
• Accountability for results
• Problem solving/root cause analysis
• Process discipline
• Advanced data analysis and reporting skills
• Employee benefit program knowledge

Success Profile

• Ability to manage time well
• Collaborative and ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization
• Diligent attention to detail
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• Proactive problem solving

Working Conditions

Onsite at a manufacturing facility

Attributes for Success

• Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
• Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
• Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
• Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
• Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper's continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
• Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.

ND Paper Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
• Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
• Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
• A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
• Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.

Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2026 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us!