Benefits Lead

Job Description Position Title: Benefits Lead Position Reports To: Director, Total Rewards HR Technology Position Summary 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 Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field 8 years of related experience HRIS/HCM experience, preferably Workday Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong knowledge of employment laws and benefits compliance requirements, including FMLA, ADA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and ERISA. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint. Strong attention to detail. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, strong organizational and time management skills, excellent judgment, professionalism, project management, flexibility, and communication skills are essential. Excellent written communication skills to be able to produce clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence. Ability to train and develop employees in the benefits space. Ability to interface with all levels within the organization. Ability to manage own work on multiple projects and tasks concurrently. Ability to work independently as well as a collaborative team setting. Working Conditions/Physical Demands Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods. Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds. No adverse environmental conditions expected. For over thirty years, Apache Industrial Services has met the needs of the petrochemical, industrial and energy sectors by providing superior quality, service and long-term value to our customers. Through our commitment to excellence in our work, a purposeful culture of safety, and the dedication and leadership of our expert craftsmen, Apache is a company that is doing it right. With strategic office locations throughout the US and Canada, we are able to provide efficient and reliable services to our wide variety of customers. At the core of Apache is a belief system that we refer to as #ApachePride. This belief permeates everything we do and from the CEO to the new hire employee that started yesterday; We all understand that the success of our business relies heavily on our hard-working men and women in the field. Equal Opportunity: Apache Industrial Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Recruiting Scams: Please be aware of fraudulent recruiting scams that do not originate from Apache Industrial Services. We will never ask you to pay for employment. Please make sure to use this career page to apply for open positions.