Senior Human Resources Generalist

Senior Human Resources Generalist

Hybrid Work Schedule

Buffalo, New York

Merchants Insurance Group, a leading Property & Casualty insurer in the Northeast, is seeking a Senior Human Resources Generalist to join our team at our Corporate Headquarters in Buffalo, New York.

The Senior HR Generalist serves as a subject matter expert in employee benefits, leave administration, and HR compliance. This role is responsible for administering benefit programs, managing employee leave processes, and ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws. The position partners closely with employees, leaders, vendors, payroll, and HR colleagues to deliver a high-quality employee experience while mitigating organizational risk.

Merchants Insurance Group is rated A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best and is consistently recognized as a top employer and high-performing organization. Recent honors include:

• Best Places to Work in Western New York (Buffalo Business First, 2023–2026)
• Fast Track Company (2019–2025) and Top Private Company (2019–2025)
• Ward’s 50® top-performing property-casualty insurer (2021–2024)
• Ivans Spark Award for Innovation (2024–2025)
• Named to Newsweek and Statista’s America’s Most Reliable Companies list (2025), ranked among the top 300 of 1,500 B2B organizations evaluated

We offer a hybrid work schedule, requiring two full days per week in the office, with flexibility to work remotely or onsite the remaining days. This model supports collaboration while providing flexibility and work-life balance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Administer all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, FSA, retirement, and voluntary benefits.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries; resolve complex issues and escalations.
• Manage employee enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and eligibility processes.
• Lead annual open enrollment, including employee communications, system testing, and vendor coordination.
• Maintain relationships with benefit brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Monitor plan performance and recommend process improvements and cost-containment strategies.
• Administer and oversee employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers’ compensation, paid family leave, state-specific leave programs, and company policies.
• Serve as backup support for HR Coordinator responsibilities (e.g., payroll processing, wellness programs, onboarding/orientation) to ensure continuity.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

• 5 years of progressive HR experience.
• Demonstrated experience in benefits administration and leave management required.
• Experience supporting a multi-state workforce strongly preferred.
• Experience managing audits and regulatory reporting preferred.
• Deep knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and applicable employment laws.
• Strong understanding of HR compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with UKG Pro preferred.
• Advanced analytical capabilities with ability to interpret HR, benefits, leave, and payroll data.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office tools.

Merchants Insurance Group Pay information:

Merchants Insurance Group offers a competitive pay scale.  The estimated salary for this role ranges from $80,000 - $100,000 based on leveling and geography, along with an equity component and a comprehensive benefits package.  This range is merely an estimate; actual compensation may deviate from this range based on skills, experience and qualifications.

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Colleague Appreciation events.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require 2 full days per week in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office.
• Competitive pay scale.
• Company bonus program.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

And many more exciting company benefits!!

Merchants Insurance Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Merchants Insurance Group supports a safe workplace through pre-employment background screenings.

Salary : $80,000 - $100,000