Sr. Benefits and Payroll Specialist

About the Role

This is a hybrid role in The Woodlands, TX. The Sr. Benefits and Payroll Specialist is responsible for the administration, compliance, and day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker’s life insurance, flexible spending plan, health savings account, leave management, retirement plans, etc.) for the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. This position serves as the primary point of contact for benefit-related matters and collaborates with employees, HR, payroll, benefit vendors, brokers, and internal leadership to ensure programs are administered accurately and effectively. The role also serves as a backup to payroll and requires working knowledge of payroll processes and ADP Workforce Now (WFN). The Senior Benefits & Payroll Specialist supports broader HR initiatives, projects, reporting, audits, and other HR responsibilities as business needs arise.

Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration – United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico
  • Coordinate daily benefits processing, including enrollments, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident, death claims, QDROs, distributions, loans, and hardships.
  • Administer COBRA: notifications, enrollments, changes, and terminations.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of new benefits programs.
  • Develop strong working relationships with plan vendors and third-party administrators.
  • Evaluate and revise internal processes to increase efficiency and improve employee experience.
  • Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, group benefits database, and update employee payroll records.
  • Process vendor billings and conduct billing audits.
  • Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company’s benefits package.
  • Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
  • Collaborate with payroll to ensure appropriate benefit deductions.
  • Review and reconcile benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies with vendors, payroll, and Finance.
• Leaves of Absence Program
  • Function as the subject matter expert on applicable federal, state, and local leave and sick pay laws.
  • Manage the leave administration process from initial notice through return to work.
  • Coordinate with Payroll, Leaders, and Human Resources on leave statuses, updates, work restrictions, and return-to-work plans.
• Point of Contact for Benefits/Leave-Related Inquiries
  • Advise and inform employees about the details of Nexeo Plastics’ benefit programs.
  • Provide customer service support to resolve benefit-related issues in a timely manner.
  • Manage annual Open Enrollment rollout, including preparing communication materials, coordinating employee meetings, and auditing data.
• Compliance, Reporting & Requirements
  • Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations.
  • Monitor, interpret, and suggest compliance actions for evolving and new benefits legislation.
  • Complete government compliance activities (e.g., 5500s, audits, employee mailings, vendor billings).
  • Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and audits.
  • Maintain processes and procedures to capture and retain accurate benefit-related data.
  • Assist with employee data auditing and reporting, including required employee mailings.
• Payroll Support & Backup
  • Serve as a trained backup for payroll processing as needed.
  • Maintain working knowledge of ADP Workforce Now (WFN) payroll functionality and processes.
  • Review payroll data for accuracy, including employee changes, earnings, deductions, benefit deductions, taxes, and other payroll-related information.
  • Support payroll processing during absences, vacations, high-volume periods, or other business needs.
  • Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, corrections, and research of payroll discrepancies.
  • Partner with the Payroll team to ensure benefit deductions and payroll records are accurate and aligned.
  • Assist with employee payroll questions and research issues as needed.
  • Maintain an understanding of payroll practices and compliance requirements.
  • Support year-end payroll and benefit activities.
  • Assist with payroll reporting and special payroll projects.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, finance, or a related field.
• 5 years of progressive experience in a mid-to-senior level benefits, HR Operations, payroll, or HR-related function.
• Working knowledge of relevant policies and regulations for the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
• Demonstrated basic knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA to ensure compliance.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations in computing rates, premiums, and adjustments.
• Experience in completing root cause analysis of system errors and understanding data flows and organizational structure in systems.
• Working knowledge of payroll processes and practices.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN) strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of U.S. benefit regulations and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive employee information appropriately.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and ability to work with HR and payroll reports.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a broader HR team.

About Nexeo Plastics

Nexeo Plastics is a leading global thermoplastic resins distributor, representing quality products from world-class suppliers and serving a diverse customer base across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. From material selection to supply chain and inventory solutions, we provide value-added services across industries including automotive, healthcare, packaging, wire and cable, 3D printing, and more. Our people, passion, global reach, and technology platform allow us to reduce complexity, identify efficiencies, and unlock value for suppliers and customers. Nexeo Plastics facilities are ISO 9001 certified, and we adhere to a defined quality policy in all practices.