Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. We are dedicated to improving people's lives, serving our clients and healing the planet. Together, we cultivate a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose. HOK, a global architecture, design, engineering, and planning firm, is seeking an experienced Benefits Specialist to join our Corporate Human Resources team. This is a hybrid position based in our St. Louis office, with on-site presence required three days per week. In this role you will provide day to day global support benefits programs, working closely with the Compensation and Benefits Manager, by implementing, administering, and communicating total rewards programs. Other responsibilities expected in this role include: Serve as a first point of contact for employee and HR inquiries regarding Compensation, Benefits and Retirement. Support day to day administration of Benefits and Retirement plans. Work directly with the Compensation and Benefits Manager to design, implement, and administer global benefits programs. Perform data gathering and initial analyses to ensure total rewards programs are internally equitable and externally competitive. Complete benefit survey submissions and analyze reported results. Support and administer open enrollment for benefits and Affordable Care Act reporting requirements. Develop and maintain strong partnerships with vendors, brokers, and consultants. Analyze benefits utilization and costs to make recommendations as needed. Develop reports and dashboards to support decision-making and program administration. Review benefit agreements, plan documents, and post required notices. Review expenses in comparison to budget for applicable programs. Assist in the administration of ex-pat benefit programs and changes. Contribute to the creation and maintenance of benefits, retirement, and compliance policies and procedures. Ensure confidentiality and compliance in compensation, health and welfare plans, and executive benefits. Assist in the development and delivery of training programs for employees and managers designed to educate around health and welfare programs. Update program communications via newsletters, intranet, webinar, and email correspondence. Support audits, documentation, and regulatory reporting required across countries. Partner with HR and business leaders to provide consultation and guidance. Take personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices. Who is the ideal candidate for this role? The ideal candidate is a highly skilled HR professional with 5+ years of hands-on experience managing and implementing employee benefits programs, along with deep expertise in U.S. and international benefits and retirement compliance, including self-funded plans and global best practices. They bring strong analytical capabilities with advanced spreadsheet and data-processing skills, along with a solid foundation in core human resources principles and administration. This individual excels in critical thinking and complex problem solving, communicates clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats, and effectively navigates nuanced issues across multiple regions. Experience supporting global or cross-border employee programs is a strong plus. Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in human resources management, Organizational Development, Business Management, or other related field of study. 5+ years' benefit administration; experience in compensation a plus. Other things to consider: Travel may be required. Overtime may be required. The job duties and requirements that this document describes may be altered or supplemented at any time at the sole discretion of HOK. The anticipated salary range for this role is $70,000 - $80,000 annually, with compensation determined by experience, skills, and job-related qualifications. HOK invests in its people and communities, supporting both personal and professional growth through every stage of life. At HOK you'll have a hybrid work environment, 10 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays) and a minimum of 4 weeks of paid time off with a cash out option. HOK offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free mental wellness resources, life and AD&D coverage and short and long-term disability benefits. HOK supports your growing family by offering 4 weeks of paid parental leave and fertility coverage. HOK helps to fund your future financial needs with matching contributions to our 401(K) plan which includes a well-rounded investment menu as well as free guidance on retirement planning. HOK provides opportunities to learn, develop and utilize your skills. Continued learning is promoted through financial support and study prep for licensure exams, CEU credit opportunities, mentorship programs, and paid professional memberships. HOK is an EOE, including disability/vets. #J-18808-Ljbffr HOK