Benefits Analyst Principal

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Respond to benefit questions and requests with excellent customer service, acting as an intermediary between employees and third-party administrators as appropriate.
• Ensure data accuracy in internal and external systems via system testing and ongoing auditing.
• Investigate and resolve issues, identifying the root cause and making changes to prevent recurring issues.
• Analyze, research, and summarize monthly eligibility data, resolving any data discrepancies or issues with vendors to ensure complete and accurate employee service.
• Provide benefit vendor support and coordinate with benefits vendors to ensure accurate and timely benefit transactions are being processed.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Responsible for the completion of government compliance activities (ACA, 5500s, COBRA, etc.), independent third-party audits, plan documentation and required participant communications.
• Proactively identify and drive execution of opportunities for process improvements (including Workday HRIS modifications) and changes in strategy/approach, in partnership with leadership, other HR teams and third-party vendors.
• Assist with review of benefit plan design options, evaluating new plans while balancing cost management and employee satisfaction.
• Independently manage the planning, system testing, and communications related to annual benefits open enrollment.
• Clearly communicate program changes and updates to affected employees and leaders.
• Deliver difficult messages with empathy, while reinforcing the rationale and alignment with company practices.
• Ensure that communications reinforce the value of various benefit elements in the context of a total rewards package.
• Assist with other projects within the Total Rewards team as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years progressive experience in a benefits administration role
• Bachelor’s Degree or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of degree
• Proficient in the use of Workday Benefits or similar HRIS system
• Expertise in compliance and regulatory requirements of employee benefit programs
• Experience troubleshooting, analyzing data and recommending practical solutions
• Highly adaptable and proven experience thriving in a changing/dynamic environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
• Experience communicating effectively with business partners and leaders, translating needs into solutions and explaining complex topics clearly
• Learning agility and a curious mindset
• Ability to appropriately handle working with confidential data

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing the leaves and accommodations processes
• Market Pricing, job leveling, incentive compensation experience
• Payroll experience
• Creative mindset - ability to develop innovative solutions to complex benefit issues
• CEBS or CBP certification