Benefits Specialist

Summary The Compensation and Benefits Manager is responsible for implementing and administering total rewards programs to attract, retain and motivate a high-performance organization. This role evaluates compensation strategy, health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, leave administration, wellness initiatives, and regulatory compliance while ensuring programs are competitive, cost‑effective, and aligned with the organization’s business objectives and culture. Key Responsibilities Develop and administer the organization’s compensation philosophy, policies, and programs. Conduct market pricing and compensation benchmarking to ensure external competitiveness and internal equity. Manage salary structures, pay grades, job evaluations, and compensation analyses. Lead the annual compensation planning process, including merit increases, annual associate reviews, promotions, and market adjustments. Provide compensation guidance and recommendations to leaders on hiring, promotions, transfers, and retention. Manage and aid in the evaluation of the company’s benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, disability, life insurance, and other employee perks. Oversee open enrollment processes, including employee communications and system updates. Collaborate with benefits vendors and brokers to ensure competitive and cost‑effective offerings. Identify opportunities to improve program effectiveness while controlling costs. Handle benefits‑related inquiries and resolve employee issues with a high level of customer service. Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, IRS and other relevant regulations. Ensure compliance with payroll tax laws, labor regulations, and benefits‑related legislation. Prepare and file necessary compliance reports, including 401(k) audits, Form 5500, and other required filings. Establish and manage tax jurisdiction setup for state and local taxes. Conduct regular audits of payroll and benefits data to ensure accuracy and compliance. Serve as the organization’s subject‑matter expert on compensation and benefits. Partner with senior leadership to develop long‑term total rewards strategies aligned with business objectives. Prepare executive reports and presentations regarding compensation, benefits, and workforce trends. Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT teams to align benefits operations with company goals. Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience. Support mergers, acquisitions, and organizational changes related to compensation and benefits integration. Requirements and Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Human Resources, or related field and/or equivalent work experience. Experience: Strong knowledge of regulatory and legislative issues impacting benefits; familiarity with all federal, state, and local regulations; expertise in plan administration including testing, Form 5500 preparation, and plan design; Skills: Strong written and oral communication; organization and attention to detail; analytical and problem‑solving skills; time management; systems analysis; mathematical and deductive reasoning; critical thinking. Physical Demands and Work Environment Physical Requirements: Sit and stand as needed; may require walking on a level surface for periods throughout the day; reaching above shoulders, below waist and lifting as required to file documents or store materials; lifting up to 25 lbs. Work Environment: Typical office setting; may require entry into a manufacturing environment that requires proper PPE including safety shoes, safety glasses and hearing protection; environment may be loud, hot/cold depending on season. Welch Packaging is proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Welch Packaging