Senior Benefits Specialist

Position Summary

The Senior Benefits Specialist supports the day-to-day administration and continuous improvement of employee health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs. This role combines hands-on benefits administration, employee support, data management, compliance, and vendor coordination with opportunities to improve processes and support benefits-related projects. The ideal candidate will have strong benefits administration experience, proficiency in Workday or a similar HRIS benefits administration platform, excellent attention to detail, and a customer-focused approach. Experience with self-funded health plans is preferred but not required.

Benefits Administration & Employee Support

• Administer health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and 401(k) plans.
• Perform benefits-related data entry and system maintenance, ensuring employee and dependent information is accurate and processed timely.
• Serve as a primary resource for employee benefits questions, providing responsive and knowledgeable customer service.
• Assist employees with enrollments, qualifying life events, benefit changes, and other benefits-related needs.
• Research and resolve benefit discrepancies, eligibility issues, and employee concerns, partnering with carriers and third-party administrators as needed.
• Support leave of absence and other benefits administration activities as needed.
• Assist with annual open enrollment, including system preparation, employee communications, enrollment support, and post-enrollment audits.

HRIS, Data & Process Improvement

• Utilize Workday or a similar HRIS benefits administration system to process, maintain, and audit benefits data.
• Support benefits-related system implementations, integrations, testing, upgrades, and ongoing enhancements.
• Perform regular audits and reconciliations to identify and resolve data discrepancies.
• Partner with HR, Payroll, Finance, Accounting, and IT to ensure accurate benefits data and system functionality.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual processes, improve workflows, and increase the efficiency and scalability of benefits administration.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of benefits procedures, documentation, and standard operating processes.

Compliance & Vendor Management

• Support compliance with applicable federal and state benefit regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA.
• Maintain relationships with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to support effective service delivery and issue resolution.
• Assist with benefits plan audits, required reporting, and compliance activities.
• Support benchmarking and evaluation of benefit programs to ensure offerings remain competitive and aligned with organizational needs.

Communications & Project Support

• Support the development and distribution of employee benefits communications, presentations, guides, and educational materials.
• Participate in informational sessions and open enrollment meetings to help employees understand available benefit programs.
• Support benefits-related projects, including system enhancements, process improvements, mergers and acquisitions, and other organizational initiatives.
• Provide reporting and analysis related to benefits enrollment, utilization, costs, and other program metrics as needed.
• Collaborate across HR and business teams to support evolving benefits and employee needs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of benefits administration experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Workday or a similar HRIS benefits administration platform required.
• Experience administering health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs.
• Working knowledge of applicable benefits regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA.
• Experience with self-funded health plans is preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to perform high-volume data entry accurately and efficiently.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to research discrepancies and identify solutions.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly to employees.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with HR, Payroll, Finance, Accounting, IT, and external vendors.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• CEBS or CBP certification preferred but not required.
• Construction or engineering industry experience is a plus.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to perform standard office duties, including prolonged periods of sitting and computer-based work.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel periodically based on business needs.

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, apply now to join our dynamic team. To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.