Analyst, Health & Wellness Benefits

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Regional Benefits Analyst to join our dynamic HR team. As a Regional Benefits Analyst, you will be responsible for the administration, analysis, and enhancement of benefits programs, ensuring compliance with regional, state, and federal regulations, and providing strategic support to HR leadership. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of benefits plan design, regulatory compliance, and data analysis, with the ability to recommend improvements for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. You will collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and other departments to ensure seamless benefits administration.

The role involves working closely with employees, management, external vendors, and other HR teams to ensure seamless and effective benefits operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration: Oversee the day-to-day administration of regional benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and other employee perks.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze benefits data and trends to provide insights on program effectiveness, utilization, and costs. Prepare reports and dashboards for HR leadership, offering actionable recommendations.
• Compliance & Regulations: Ensure that all benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and others. Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
• Vendor Management: Liaise with benefits providers, brokers, and third-party administrators to resolve issues and ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met. Participate in the selection and negotiation of new vendors and renewals.
• Communication & Education: Serve as a point of contact for employees seeking information on benefits plans, eligibility, and claims issues. Conduct benefits orientations and informational sessions for new hires and existing employees.
• Plan Design & Improvement: Collaborate with HR leadership to evaluate and recommend changes to benefit programs to ensure they are competitive, cost-effective, and meet employee needs.
• Open Enrollment & Wellness Initiatives: Support the open enrollment process by managing communications, preparing materials, and assisting employees with plan selections. Assist with wellness programs and employee engagement initiatives related to benefits.
• Audit & Reconciliation: Regularly audit benefits data and processes to ensure accuracy. Reconcile benefits billing and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• System Administration: Maintain and update benefits data in HRIS (Dayforce). Ensure all employee records are up to date and processed correctly.
• Budget & Cost Management: Monitor the benefits budget, track spending, and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining the quality and competitiveness of the programs offered.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the HR operations, payroll, and compensation teams to ensure seamless coordination of benefits data and accurate processing of enrollments, changes, and terminations.
  
  

Key Requirements

• Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration or analysis, with experience in a regional or multi-location environment.
• Strong working knowledge of employee benefits programs, benefits compliance, and industry trends.
• Skills & Competencies:
• Proficient in benefits administration software, HRIS systems (e.g., Dayforce, Success Factors), and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and develop actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain complex benefits concepts to employees at all levels.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with employees, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Certifications (preferred):
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar professional certification.
• Knowledge & Abilities:
• In-depth knowledge of benefits laws and regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.).
• Ability to think critically and find creative solutions to complex benefit – related challenges.
• Experience with benefits benchmarking and cost analysis.