Benefits Analyst II

Benefits Analyst II (Contract)Location: Galleria (In-Office Only)Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Assignment Length: Contract role, 6–9 months (Temporary)Pay Rate: $35.00 – $38.50 per hourParking: ValidatedAbout the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Benefits Analyst II to join a high-energy, fast-paced HR/Benefits team. In this role, you will partner closely with internal teams and external vendors to support the administration and continuous improvement of health, welfare, and retirement programs for a growing employee population.This position is ideal for a benefits professional with strong technical knowledge who thrives in an in-office environment, takes ownership of their work, and is comfortable managing complex benefits processes with minimal supervision. This is not a leadership role , but you will play a critical role in day-to-day operations, compliance, and employee support.Key ResponsibilitiesEmployee & Vendor SupportServe as a primary point of contact for benefits vendors and third-party administrators.Resolve employee benefit inquiries and escalations promptly, professionally, and accurately.Benefits OperationsCoordinate eligibility, enrollment, and billing data transfers.Support daily benefits processing, including:New hires, terminations, life events, and COBRA401(k) contributions, loans, distributions, rollovers, and QDROsClaims management and compliance testingAssist with ERISA-related audits and regulatory filings.Review, reconcile, and process vendor invoices and payments.Open Enrollment & CommunicationsPlay a key role in Open Enrollment planning, execution, and employee communications.Educate employees on benefit plans and help them understand available options.Analytics & ComplianceAnalyze benefits data to identify trends, discrepancies, and compliance risks.Support regulatory filings such as Form 5500.Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and the employee benefits experience.CollaborationPartner with HR, Payroll, and Accounting on cross-functional benefits matters.Contribute to a collaborative, solutions-oriented team environment.Minimum QualificationsEducation & Experience:Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or a related field and 4+ years of benefits experienceOR8+ years of direct benefits administration experience in lieu of a degreeStrong working knowledge of federal and state benefits regulations, including:ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125Workers' Compensation, Medicare, OBRA, Social Security, and DOL requirementsHands-on experience with:Open Enrollment cycles401(k) administration, audits, and filingsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, macros, data analysis).Experience using HRIS and benefits administration platforms.Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.Preferred QualificationsCEBS certification or other benefits-related credential.Experience supporting benefits programs in a large, multi-affiliate, or complex organization.Who Thrives in This RoleSelf-starters who take initiative and learn quickly without step-by-step direction.Professionals who enjoy troubleshooting, data analysis, and improving processes.Strong communicators with a customer-service mindset who can handle sensitive employee matters.Individuals comfortable working in a fast-moving, in-office HR/Benefits environment.#HOUGW34#ZR