Sr. Benefits Specialist

Benefits Consultant

Arconic offers a comprehensive set of benefits programs. This position in the Corporate Human Resources organization of Arconic, assists the Benefits Director and Vice President of Benefits & Compensation with the administration and design of U.S. benefit programs. Responsibilities include analysis of various benefit data and programs, managing updates of compliance communications for the various benefit programs, managing certain vendor relationships, research of appeals and other benefits matters, and assisting in the day-to-day operations of the Benefits Department. This position is also responsible for assisting with audits and special/recurring benefit projects such as the annual benefits open enrollment. The principal challenge of the Benefits Consultant position is the need to be organized and flexible in a fast-paced environment.

In this role, you will:

• Work as part of a fast-paced team to implement, and support benefits programs, processes and systems.
• Research benefits issues and work with HRMS, Payroll, third-party vendors, business-based HR, union representatives, Legal, and others as needed to resolve issues as quickly as possible and at the same time providing root-cause analysis.
• Establish and maintain a high level of focus in order to identify improvement opportunities and recommend solutions to solve business issues.
• Manage assigned vendor relationships, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and service levels.
• Operate within Arconic standards and conventions as well as RU standards.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the business processes in area(s) of assignment.
• Pursue continuous learning consistent with the movement in the job requirements and changes in programs, technology and service delivery.
• Manage assigned projects independently, provide regular status updates to supervisor, create and monitor schedule and own priorities.

Responsibilities

Job Specific Functions: -

• Assist in the setup and testing of benefits systems as well as writing/preparation of participant communications.
• Manage Arconic's Health & Welfare data warehouse for purposes of analysis and decision-making.
• Through data analyses, identify areas for improvement and develop plans to address those areas.
• Manage daily processes for the Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plans.
• Work with the company's consultants on the development of annual enrollment communications, benefits guides, and compliance communications including SBCs, SPDs, etc.
• Coordinate and support the annual completion of 5500s and SARs, working with the company's assigned tax firm.
• Support appeals process for all benefit programs (Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, Health & Welfare) as necessary for certain benefit appeals.
• Assist with the completion of audits and testing as outlined by supervisor and Arconic's Internal or External auditors.
• Assist with plan design analysis, as necessary for annual review, negotiations and special projects.
• Other duties as assigned by Benefits Department management
• Experience with Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, and Health & Welfare benefit programs.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in in a fast-paced environment.
• Thorough knowledge of key benefits-related laws and regulations including but not limited to ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, IRS Section 125, 401(k) non-discrimination testing, etc.
• Work with MA&D group on benefits-related topics for acquisitions and divestitures. Assist with the analysis of benefits data to coordinate the transition/integration of benefits administration for all divested and acquired companies.
• Proven ability to work independently to solve problems and ensure management is kept apprised of issues in a timely manner.
• Microsoft Office suite of products; extremely proficient in Excel including formulas, look-ups, pivot tables, and other database functions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact proactively and effectively with a diverse group of individuals and teams.
• Excellent communication skills including presentation delivery and public speaking. - Willingness and ability to quickly learn new subject matter.
• Work with the company's consultants on the development of annual enrollment communications, benefits guides, and compliance communications including SBCs, SPDs, etc.

Major Customers –

• US location HR personnel.
• Work team, peers, manager and other relevant personnel in the Corporate HR organization.
• Alight Solutions Customer Service, H&W, and DB teams.
• Fidelity Investments team.
• Mass Mutual and Pacific Life annuity teams.
• Vendor customer service teams.
• Corporate HRMS, Payroll, Accounting, Treasury, Legal, and Shared Services organizations.

Also note:

• Intermittent travel of 2-5 days in length within the U.S. could be required, but typically no more than a few times a year.

Qualifications

You have: (required)

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum five (5) years of benefits-related experience.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Exceptional Candidates also have: (preferred)

• Demonstrated Defined Benefit Plan experience.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills; able to interact with internal and external customers, other analysts, management, and other departments.
• Strong analytical, organizational and time management skills.
• Project Management experience.