This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Benefits & Compliance Specialist based in United States.
This role is a key member of the HR operations function, responsible for managing and continuously improving employee benefits programs across multiple regions. You will oversee end-to-end benefits administration while ensuring strict compliance with federal, state, and international regulations. Acting as a subject matter expert, you will support employees, HR teams, and leadership with guidance on benefits, retirement plans, and leave policies. The position plays a critical role in ensuring programs remain competitive, compliant, and efficiently delivered. You will collaborate closely with vendors, brokers, Finance, and Legal teams to optimize benefits strategy and employee experience. This is a highly detail-oriented and impactful role where accuracy, compliance, and employee support are essential. It is ideal for someone who thrives in structured yet evolving HR environments and enjoys improving operational processes at scale.
Accountabilities
- Lead end-to-end administration of health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs, including renewals, enrollment cycles, and ongoing operations.
- Manage and execute annual Open Enrollment processes, including system configuration, employee communications, education, and reconciliation activities.
- Administer 401(k) and retirement programs, including enrollments, contributions, vendor coordination, and audit support.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, ADA, FMLA, and related federal and state requirements.
- Oversee leave of absence programs, including FMLA, state-specific leaves, and internal policies while ensuring compliance and positive employee experience.
- Partner with brokers and external vendors to evaluate plan performance, resolve escalations, and recommend benefits enhancements.
- Conduct and support compliance audits, including benefits audits, I-9 reviews, employee file audits, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Manage benefits-related regulatory filings, notices, documentation, and reporting obligations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing guidance on eligibility, coverage, and issue resolution.
- Support onboarding and offboarding processes with a focus on benefits enrollment, transitions, and eligibility accuracy.
- Collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to support benefits strategy and compliance initiatives.
- Support HRIS and system-related initiatives (including ADP or similar platforms) to ensure data accuracy and process efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement of benefits workflows, documentation, and operational processes to enhance scalability and effectiveness.
- Provide reporting and insights to leadership on benefits utilization, trends, and compliance risks.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure proper handling of sensitive employee data and records.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, HR operations, leave administration, or compliance-focused roles.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations and practices, including health, welfare, retirement, and leave programs.
- Experience managing Open Enrollment cycles, retirement plans, and HRIS platforms such as ADP or similar systems.
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and related employment laws.
- Experience working with vendors, brokers, and cross-functional HR, Finance, and Legal teams.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to support and guide employees on sensitive HR matters.
- Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Experience supporting audits, reporting, and compliance documentation requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to improve processes and enhance HR operational efficiency.
- Experience in multi-state or multi-country (U.S. and Canada preferred) benefits administration is an advantage.
Benefits
- Competitive and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Retirement savings plan (401(k)) with employer support.
- Flexible and remote-first work environment.
- Paid time off and holiday programs supporting work-life balance.
- Opportunities to work on global benefits programs across U.S. and Canada.
- Exposure to strategic HR operations, compliance, and process improvement initiatives.
- Collaboration with experienced HR, Finance, Legal, and leadership teams.
- Access to HRIS and modern benefits administration systems (e.g., ADP).
- Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Professional growth opportunities in HR operations and benefits specialization.