Benefits Analyst

Benefits Analyst Location: Houston, TX (100% Onsite) Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM or 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required. Compensation: $32.00 - $37.00/hour, with flexibility for highly qualified candidates. Assignment Length: Approximately 3 to 9+ months Employment Type: Contract Assignment, No conversion anticipated at this time. Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Benefits Analyst to support a large corporate benefits function. This individual will serve as a key resource for benefits administration, vendor management, compliance, reporting, and employee support. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in health and welfare plans, retirement plans, compliance, and employee benefits operations. Key Responsibilities Serve as a liaison between employees, benefit vendors, and third‑party administrators. Manage employee benefit escalations and ensure timely resolution. Coordinate eligibility, enrollment, billing, and data transfers with vendors. Analyze benefits data for accuracy, trends, compliance, and reporting purposes. Support open enrollment planning, execution, and employee communications. Identify opportunities to improve processes and enhance the employee experience. Assist with administration of wellness programs, leave programs, and ancillary benefits. Administer daily benefits activities including: Enrollments COBRA Terminations Beneficiary changes Disability claims Life and accident claims Rollovers QDROs QMCSOs Loans Hardships Participate in benefits audits and compliance filings, including Form 5500 support. Review and reconcile vendor invoices and benefit‑related payments. Prepare routine and ad hoc reporting to support business decisions. Partner closely with HR, Payroll, Accounting, and other internal stakeholders. Perform additional duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of four years of benefits administration experience. Strong knowledge of: ACA ERISA COBRA FMLA ADA Section 125 Workers' Compensation Medicare OBRA Social Security Department of Labor regulations Experience working with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms. Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel. Excellent organizational, communication, and prioritization skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Strong customer service and problem‑solving skills. Preferred Qualifications CEBS Certification. Advanced Excel skills including: Pivot Tables Macros Advanced Reporting Functions Additional Information Up to 10% travel may be required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate effectively throughout the workday. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Ideal Candidate Background Benefits administration Retirement plan administration 401(k) plans Vendor management Benefits compliance Open enrollment Benefits audits Form 5500 support HRIS reporting and analytics Shared services or large corporate environments #J-18808-Ljbffr