Senior Benefits Analyst

Senior Benefits AnalystThe Senior Benefits Analyst is a key contributor to the strategy, administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of company health, welfare, retirement, and voluntary benefit programs. This role partners closely with leadership, HR, and vendors to manage complex benefits operations, M&A, regulatory compliance, and data-driven program enhancements.Essential Job Duties:Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned health, welfare, 401(k), and voluntary benefit programs, providing consultative guidance on plan design, administration, compliance, and complex issue resolution to management, HR Partners, and employees.Partner with Benefits leadership to lead the implementation, analysis, and ongoing administration of complex benefit programs, policies, and initiatives, including annual health and welfare renewals, plan changes, and system updates.Support company's merger & acquisition efforts including benefit design and cost analysis, creation of employee-facing communications, and other tasks as assigned.Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and evaluation of benefits utilization, cost trends, and employee feedback to support external competitiveness and develop data driven recommendations for leadership.Execute benefits compliance projects with applicable government regulations, including, but not limited to required annual reporting (5500s, NDTs, ACA, 401(k) plan audit).Monitor, interpret, and apply evolving federal, state, and local specific benefits regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, leave, and disability laws), proactively recommending program, policy, or process changes to ensure compliance.Partner with Benefits leadership and broker team to ensure ongoing compliance of all benefit programs, including review and maintenance of plan documents, policies, and summary materials.Manage day-to-day vendor relationships for benefit programs, including service delivery, issue resolution, escalation management, performance monitoring, and oversight of voluntary benefit programs.Identify and recommend opportunities to Benefits leadership to improve benefits processes, documentation, and the employee experience through simplification, standardization, and continuous improvement to scale with organizational growth.Support vendor renewals, contract reviews, performance guarantees, billing review, and ROI analysis, and assist with administrative and operational aspects of benefits billing and payment.Provide high touch, consultative support for complex or sensitive benefits inquiries.Serve as a trusted benefits resource for HR Partners and the business, supporting cross functional communication initiatives such as open enrollment, plan changes, and ongoing employee education.Serve as a key contributor to open enrollment planning and execution, including vendor coordination, system testing, employee communications, and issue resolution.Participate in special projects, new plan implementations, and cross functional initiatives as assigned.Other duties may be assigned.Qualifications:The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to perform the job successfully, however in some cases, an equivalent combination of Education, Training, Certifications and Experience may meet the job qualifications.Education, Training, Certifications:High School diploma/ GED, required.Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or related field preferred.Experience, Knowledge, Skill Requirements:5-7 years of experience in employee benefits.2-3 years of senior-level benefits experience, preferred.Proven experience partnering with third party vendors (e.g., benefits brokers, carriers, leave administrators), including managing service delivery, issue resolution, escalations, and vendor performance.Extensive knowledge of all benefit related regulations (ERISA, FMLA, USERRA, COBRA, HIPAA, Secure Act) and health, welfare and retirement benefit programs, required.Knowledge of human resource concepts, practices, procedures, employment law and regulations.Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.Detail-oriented individual.Comfortable working in a role with frequent interruptions and time-sensitive deadlines.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical or regulatory topics to nontechnical audiences and effectively tailor messaging for employees, managers, HR partners, and senior leader.Ability & willingness to learn company policies/procedures & benefits package.Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects and meet competing deadlines.Strong problem-solving skills.Communication Skills:Must have the ability to effectively read, write and communicate in English with employees and customers.Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.Systems and Software Skills:Proficiency with Oracle Cloud HCM benefits administration strongly preferred.Understanding of basic administrative procedures.Experience in MS Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills, and HRIS experience.Work effectively as a collaborator.Ability to multi-task.Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbal.Other Qualifications:Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.Must be able to comply with Summit's Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements, which may also include customer specific requirements based on contractual agreement.Physical & Work Environment Requirements:Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform Essential Job Duties.Physical Requirements:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods. Employee will occasionally be required to bend, kneel, balance, lift <20lb, walk, stand, ascend/descend stairs, drive, twist, and reach above and below shoulders. Employee will frequently be required to drive and walk for periods.Work Environment:Employee will consistently be required to work indoors in an office setting, work alone and with others. Employees will occasionally be required to work outside, and be exposed to hot/cold temperatures, dust, fumes, chemicals, electrical hazards and noise. Employee must occasionally wear all appropriate personal protective equipment, as required by company safety policies while visiting locations.We are fully committed to equal opportunities for employment to all individuals regardless of race, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, and any other classification protected under the law. We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.