Benefits Lead

Benefits Lead

The Benefits Lead serves as a senior-level benefits professional who plays a key role in administering and improving the company's benefits programs. This role acts as a working lead providing guidance and expertise to the Benefits Coordinator and ensuring the effective day-to-day operation of health, wellness, and retirement benefits. The Benefits Lead partners closely with the Director of Total Rewards on program initiatives, compliance activities, and process enhancements to ensure benefits are delivered efficiently and align with company policies and employee needs.

Essential Functions

• Oversees daily activities and performance of assigned employees, providing guidance and support to ensure successful task completion.
• Leads efforts to optimize HRIS applications for benefits administration, assisting with system upgrades and research as needed.
• Administers and educates employees on various employee benefits programs, including health, flexible spending accounts, dental and vision, accident and disability, life insurance, 401(k), and wellness benefits.
• Explains plan features and assists with inquiries related to plan provisions and policies.
• Conducts internal and external audits of benefits plans, including end-of-year audits, 401(k) audits, enrollments, terminations, and changes, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
• Leads training sessions for Benefits team to ensure understanding of benefit plans, processes, and systems, providing ongoing support on HRIS-related policies and procedures.
• Researches, analyzes, and evaluates benefit plan data issues involving internal HRIS, payroll, carriers, and external third-party systems.
• Manages the company's leave of absence programs, acting as a subject matter expert on policies, procedures, and applicable laws (FMLA, ADA, etc.), while providing clear information to employees, leaders, and vendors.
• Recommends, strategizes, and implements campaigns to promote employee wellness and engagement.
• Ensures accurate processing and reporting of Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements in compliance with legal standards.
• Serves as the primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators, ensuring effective communication and issue resolution.
• Identifies, coordinates, and assists in creating training materials and communications related to Benefits documentation.
• Partners with HRPs and project sites to manage the ADA process, ensuring compliance.
• Assists with the monthly billing process for benefit plans, coordinating reports for accounts payable and finance.
• Maintains courteous, collaborative, and confidential relationships with employees, consultants, vendors, and other departments, ensuring alignment with HR best practices.
• Supports ad hoc projects for the Director of Total Rewards + HR Technology and performs other duties as needed.

Education & Experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working Conditions / Physical Demands