Benefits Administrator

About the role

We are seeking a US Benefits Administrator to manage and optimize our employee benefits programs. This role involves coordinating enrollment and lifecycle events, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting employees through various processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of US group benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
• Carefully coordinate and execute annual Open Enrollment periods, handle new hire benefit orientations, and process mid-year qualifying life events.
• Ensure all benefit plans and practices remain strictly compliant with US regulations and reporting requirements, including ERISA, ACA (Affordable Care Act), COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, and Section 125.
• Assist with annual non-discrimination testing.
• Serve as the first line of contact for employee inquiries. Explain coverage details, assist with complex claims resolution, and guide employees through the leave of absence process.
• Act as the primary interface between the company, insurance brokers, and third-party administrators (TPAs) to resolve data discrepancies or plan design issues.
• Partner closely with the payroll department to ensure accurate benefit deductions. Audit, review, and reconcile monthly carrier invoices to ensure precise billing.
• Ensure employee records and benefit choices are accurately updated in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). Compile tracking, utilization, and compliance reports as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience: 2–5 years of dedicated experience in US benefits administration in a total rewards HR role.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of foundational US federal and state labor laws (FMLA, COBRA, ACA, ERISA, ADA).
• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience navigating HRIS platforms (GFL utilizes Workday) and a strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables) for data auditing.
• Soft Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills (ability to explain complex policy language in simple terms). High emotional intelligence and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive health/financial data. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Nice-to-Haves

• Professional HR or Benefits certification, such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist), SHRM-CP, or PHR.
• Prior experience managing multi-state benefits or handling leave administration for a remote workforce.