Benefits Specialist

Our client in Belding, MI is seeking a detail-oriented and employee-focused Benefits Specialist to join their growing HR team. This newly dedicated role was created as part of the organization's continued growth and commitment to improving employee support, compliance, and benefits administration across a multi-site manufacturing environment. With approximately 500 employees and evolving HR systems and processes, this position offers the opportunity to take ownership of benefits administration while helping shape and enhance programs that directly impact the employee experience. This role is ideal for a benefits professional who enjoys balancing day-to-day administration with process improvement, employee interaction, compliance management, and vendor collaboration. The Benefits Specialist will play a key role in managing leave administration, open enrollment, wellness initiatives, and benefits compliance while partnering closely with leadership, brokers, and external vendors. Candidates with manufacturing experience, strong leave management expertise, and a proactive mindset will thrive in this environment. Responsibilitie Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, FSA/HSA programs, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefit Coordinate benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, employee status changes, terminations, and COBRA administratio Serve as the primary point of contact for employee questions related to benefits, leave programs, eligibility, claims issues, and policy interpretatio Manage leave administration processes including FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability, long-term disability, personal leaves, and applicable state leave program Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and mor Partner with benefit brokers, carriers, consultants, and vendors to support plan administration, compliance updates, and program enhancement Coordinate and support annual open enrollment activities including employee communication, education, system configuration, and enrollment auditin Conduct regular audits of benefits data, payroll deductions, billing reconciliations, dependent eligibility, ACA tracking, and HRIS record Support wellness initiatives and employee engagement programs designed to improve participation and employee experienc Maintain accurate employee benefits records and ensure the confidentiality of sensitive employee informatio Assist with benefits reporting, analytics, budgeting support, and compliance documentatio Support HRIS and benefits platform administration, including ongoing system enhancements and integration Stay current on changing benefits laws and proactively recommend process improvements and compliance update Qualificatio 3+ years of employee benefits administration experien Strong working knowledge o :FM LAA DALeave administrati Short-term disabili Long-term disabili Benefits compliance and administrati Experience working directly with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrato Experience administering employee benefits within an HRIS platfo Strong understanding of benefits auditing, payroll deduction reconciliation, and HRIS data integri Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skil Strong communication and employee service skil Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environme High level of professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive employee informati Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Exc Preferred Qualificati nsManufacturing industry experience strongly prefer edExperience with Paycor or Paylocity H ISExperience supporting wellness programs or employee engagement initiati esExperience with multi-state leave administration and complia ceBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related fi ldHR certifications such as CEBS, SHRM-CP, or PHR Sche 0 PMFull-time, onsite role within a manufacturing environ Why This Opportunity Stand OutNewly created role with strong visibility and owne shipOpportunity to help improve and optimize benefits processes and sy temsGrowing organization investing in HR infrastructure and employee su portCollaborative leadership team focused on operational improv mentStable manufacturing environment with continued g #J-18808-Ljbffr