Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist

Chiquita is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Benefits Specialist to manage all aspects of the Company's health, welfare, ancillary, and retirement plans, including the Savings and Investment Plan (SIP), executive deferred compensation and defined benefit plans, and leave policies for our North American operations.

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefit programs across all company operations. As needed, the ideal candidate will provide guidance and support to locations on various employee benefit plans and develop cost-control strategies to ensure maximum coverage at the lowest possible cost to both the Company and its employees.

The ideal candidate will serve as the primary point of contact for all benefits-related matters and play an integral role in promoting Chiquita's dynamic and engaging culture.

This position is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and reports to the Manager, Human Resources, North America.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for employee benefits functions.
• Partner with the HR Manager to coordinate cross-training initiatives for HR team members, fostering understanding, knowledge, and effective utilization of employee benefit offerings, including legacy pension plans.
• Manage all aspects of employee benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, wellness programs, the 401(k) retirement plan (qualified), pension plans, flexible spending plans, and deferred compensation plans (non-qualified). Analyze benefits costs and policies to identify trends and ensure compliance with legal requirements; collaborate closely with insurance brokers to prepare budgets, review coverages, evaluate stop-loss premiums, and support related initiatives.
• Partner with the HR Manager, legal counsel, and consultants to interpret plan documents and assist in drafting plan documents and summary plan descriptions.
• Collaborate with the HR Manager to effectively manage the annual ERISA audits of defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Prepare reporting for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Labor (DOL), including supporting forms and documentation required for the proper operation and administration of employee benefit plans, including 401(k) plans, deferred compensation plans, annuity plans, and legacy defined benefit pension plans.
• Work with the HR Manager to gather and analyze relevant data and support quarterly Employee Benefits Committee meetings.
• Ensure the Company remains informed of and compliant with the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Monitor legislative developments and assess their impact on employee benefit plans.
• Coordinate the preparation and filing of reports and applications required by federal and state agencies.
• Oversee and administer leave requests and accommodations requiring specialized attention, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local leave laws, and short-term and long-term disability programs.
• Liaise with sister business units and coordinate responsibilities for shared programs, including health and welfare and retirement plans.
• Resolve complex issues related to retirement and pension plan administration.
• Analyze data and address issues of diverse scope requiring the evaluation of identifiable factors and the exercise of sound judgment.
• Lead and coordinate the annual open enrollment process, including planning, renewals, communications, employee support, follow-up activities, and reporting.
• Partner with the HRIS team to ensure the effective functioning of benefits integration feeds and the timely resolution of system errors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience administering employee benefits programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms; Workday experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience supporting ERISA audits and Form 5500 reporting.
• Working knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, PPACA, HIPAA, and other applicable benefits regulations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including lookup functions, pivot tables, data analysis, and reporting.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, research, written communication, and relationship management skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus across diverse business groups and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to lead by example in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Physical Environment:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.

This position requires satisfactory passing of a drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.