Senior Benefits Specialist

Position Summary The Senior Benefits Specialist supports the design, administration, and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs, with an emphasis on program cost analysis, compliance, and vendor management. This role requires experience with self-insured program administration and the ability to contribute to benefits financial planning, while maintaining responsibility for day-to-day operations and employee engagement. The Specialist partners with Finance and HR leadership to ensure programs remain competitive, cost-effective, and compliant. Position Details Program Administration & Support Assist in the administration of health, welfare, and retirement programs, including 401(k) and self-insured health plans. Support financial modeling and cost analysis of benefits programs, including trend reviews and benchmarking. Collaborate with Finance and brokers to evaluate self-insured program performance, stop-loss coverage, and claims experience. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA. Vendor & Employee Support Maintain strong relationships with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure quality service delivery. Assist with open enrollment planning, communications, and employee education initiatives. Serve as a resource for employee inquiries, helping resolve complex issues or escalations. Contribute to developing benefits communications, including presentations, guides, and employee tools. Reporting & Collaboration Provide reporting and analysis on benefits utilization and cost trends to HR and Finance leadership. Support benefits integration activities during mergers or acquisitions. Work closely with HR, Accounting, and Finance teams to align benefits data with business needs. Participate in cross-functional projects related to total rewards, wellness, and employee engagement. Qualifications Working knowledge of self-insured health plans and related financial aspects. Strong understanding of retirement and health insurance programs. Solid grasp of federal and state benefits compliance requirements. Ability to analyze benefits data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations. Effective communication skills to translate complex information for employees. Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, or related field required. 5-7 years of experience in benefits administration, with some exposure to self-insured programs and financial planning. Professional certification (CEBS, CBP) preferred but not required. Experience in construction, engineering, or related industries is a plus. Benefits As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family: 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee) Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance Disability income protection insurance Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care) Paid parental leave Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses Wellness benefits About Southland Industries As one of the nation's largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you're engaged, challenged, and valued. Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For (Colorado/New York City/California/Washington/Maryland) this ranges from $105,000 - $120,000 annually plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above. Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time. External Agency Announcement : Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Required Skills Required Experience #J-18808-Ljbffr