Benefits Analyst

Job PurposeExecute the design, administration, compliance, and evaluation of the organization’s total rewards programs. Manage day-to-day benefits operations, vendor coordination, regulatory filings, data integrity, andEssential FunctionsPlan AdministrationLead all enterprise benefit and reward programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, time away, and EAP Execute the strategy for annual open enrollment, including configuration, communications, and vendor coordination Ensure operational excellence of benefit enrollments, terminations, and qualifying life events within HRIS and benefits administration software Support retirement plan administration (401(k), pension), including eligibility, changes, and vendor interactions Research trends and benchmarks to bring into roadmap discussions Support and increase engagement in work-life programs, employee wellness initiatives, and EAP programs Compliance & Regulatory SupportEnsure compliance with federal and state HR regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, IRS, DOL, and statespecific requirements Support regulatory filings, such as ACA reporting, COBRA notifications, and plan audits Maintain and update HR policies related to benefits, compensation, and employee programs Vendor & OperationsSupport benefit provider negotiations and act as a point of contact for issue resolution Manage relationships with third-party administrators and benefit vendors, hold vendors accountable to their roles and responsibilities, and act as the point of contact to evaluate program performance and identify opportunities for improvement Ensure correct claims and invoicing through auditing and continuous optimization Employee Experience & CommunicationsDevelop and distribute communications related to benefits, compensation cycles, policies, and program changes Maintain organized documentation, employee data, and administrative support processes Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products Perform other job-related duties as assigned Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field Professional certifications, such as CEBS, PHR/SPHR, SHRMCP/SCP, World at Work CCP/CBP/GRP, or other advanced credentials preferred 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration, total rewards, HR operations, or related HR discipline Experience managing multi-state or multi-site benefits programs, including compliance with state-specific leave and benefit laws preferred Comprehensive knowledge of HR regulatory and compliance requirements Operational understanding of health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, and compensation fundamentals employee support. Working experience with HRIS systems, including process configuration and rule building in platforms such as UKG, ADP, Dayforce, or similar Working experience analyzing and interpreting data, providing insights, and effectively communicating recommendations for leadership Prior experience collaborating with finance, legal, payroll, and senior HR leaders on strategic initiatives preferred Experience supporting other initiatives, such as compensation structure design, cost modeling, or benefits plan redesign preferred Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive cross-functional initiatives preferred