Senior Benefits Specialist

Gosh Enterprises is a dynamic, rapidly growing company that oversees a family of brands: Charleys (850+ units, known worldwide for serving the #1 Philly Cheesesteak), BIBIBOP Asian Grill (80+ units, award-winning Korean-inspired fast casual), Lenny's Grill & Subs (60+ units, Memphis-based deli and hot subs), Charleys Kids Foundation (nonprofit providing food, education, and mentorship to at-risk children), and Solar Planet (solar field advisory and installation services).

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Benefits Specialist to lead the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of our employee benefits programs. This role combines hands-on program administration with strategic input on plan design, vendor management, and employee experience. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and regulatory compliance, and is comfortable acting as a subject-matter expert for both employees and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Administer and oversee day-to-day operations of health, welfare, retirement, and leave programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k)/retirement plans, and voluntary benefits
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex employee benefits questions and claims issues
• Lead annual open enrollment: coordinate timelines, configure systems, develop communications, and manage vendor deliverables
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators; negotiate contracts and monitor service level agreements
• Partner with Finance/Payroll to ensure accurate premium billing, reconciliation, and payroll deductions
• Analyze benefits utilization, costs, and trends; prepare recommendations for plan design changes and cost containment strategies
• Support the design, implementation, and communication of new or modified benefit programs
• Maintain and audit benefits data in HRIS systems; ensure accurate reporting for 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing, and audits
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior benefits or HR team members
• Stay current on industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices in benefits administration

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration
• Strong working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLA regulations
• Experience with HRIS/benefits administration platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG, or similar)
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly

Preferred Qualifications

• CEBS, PHR/SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP certification
• Experience with self-funded health plans and vendor negotiations
• Prior experience supporting multi-state or global benefits programs
• Proficiency in Excel/data analysis for benefits reporting and modeling

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Healthcare spending account (HSA)
• Retirement benefits or accounts
• Gym memberships or discounts
• Employee discounts

Location: On-site in Columbus, Ohio. FLSA status: Exempt.