Benefits Analyst

The Benefit Analyst will play a pivotal role in managing and optimizing the organization’s global employee benefit programs, ensuring they remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with the company’s strategic goals. This role is responsible for the research, evaluation, and administration of benefit plans, providing data-driven insights and recommendations for program improvements. Acting as a key liaison between internal stakeholders, vendors, and employees, the Benefit Analyst ensures smooth execution of benefit initiatives, regulatory compliance, and the resolution of complex issues.

In addition, the Benefit Analyst will lead wellness initiatives aimed at enhancing employee well-being and engagement, and play a critical role in the annual benefits enrollment process. 

Key Responsibilities

Global Benefit Program Management:

1. Research, analyze, evaluate, and manage global benefit plans and programs to ensure competitiveness and alignment with organizational goals.
2. Conduct benchmarking of current benefit offerings against industry standards, and provide data-driven recommendations for improvements.

Project Management:

1. Serve as the project manager for the Annual Enrollment process, coordinating with vendors, developing written communications (e.g., letters, emails, presentations), and scheduling employee information sessions to ensure smooth and timely execution.

Policy Compliance & Improvement:

1. Interpret, review, and update benefits policies and procedures to ensure standardization, legal compliance, and improved operational efficiency.
2. Proactively identify areas for improvement, ensuring policies reflect evolving employee needs and legal requirements.

Stakeholder & Client Relationship Management:

1. Maintain positive relationships with internal and external clients by addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
2. Act as a liaison between carriers, vendors, and the People Operations team, ensuring clear communication and timely resolution of benefit-related issues.
3. Complex Issue Resolution:
4. Leverage multiple systems, tools, and resources to research and resolve complex benefit issues, ensuring accurate and efficient problem-solving.

Reporting & Data Analysis:

1. Prepare and distribute standard and ad hoc reports to internal and external stakeholders, providing insights into trends, costs, and utilization to support informed decision-making.
2. Analyze employee survey data to create presentations that offer actionable insights into employee benefits satisfaction and engagement.

Vendor Management:

1. Participate in vendor meetings, assessments, and the RFP process to evaluate and select benefit providers.
2. Review and resolve issues with eligibility files, ensuring seamless coordination with benefit plan vendors.

Audit & Regulatory Compliance:

1. Act as a liaison during audits, collaborating with internal/external auditors and vendors to ensure compliance with regulations and accurate benefit plan administration.
2. Assist in federal, state, and government regulatory filings (e.g., 1095/1094-C, 5500s, SARs) and non-discrimination testing.

Employee Wellness & Benefit Initiatives:

1. Lead or support wellness programs that promote financial, mental, and physical well-being, including programs focused on ergonomics, stress reduction, and overall employee wellness.
2. Provide guidance on developing and implementing wellness policies, such as PTO, Maternity/Paternity leave, and Remote Work programs.

Benefits Operations & Communication:

1. Oversee the day-to-day operations of employee benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, wellness) and manage open enrollment periods.
2. Ensure timely processing of enrollments, terminations, and benefit changes, including overseeing plan renewals and negotiating terms with vendors.
3. Maintain benefits-related content across employee resources (e.g., handbooks, intranet, Confluence), ensuring all materials are up-to-date and accessible.

Leadership & Training:

1. Lead training sessions for employees and HR Business Partners on benefit offerings, changes, and wellness initiatives.
2. Provide leadership and guidance on initiatives that promote employee engagement and well-being through improved benefit experiences.

The above list of responsibilities is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation.

Requirements

Key Competencies 

1. Advanced excel spreadsheet experience required.
2. 401(k) Plan experience required.
3. Knowledge of global health and welfare benefit administration.
4. Exceptional analytic skills and attention to detail a must.
5. Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity.
6. Ability to work independently, while providing outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment is a must.
7. Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely and professionally) with internal customers
8. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
9. A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment

Benefits

1. Remote work
2. Laptop reimbursement
3. New starter package to buy hardware essentials (headphones, monitor, etc)
4. Learning & Development opportunities
5. Competitive PTO