Benefits Analyst

StoneAge Holdings is the global leader in designing and manufacturing high-pressure waterblast tooling and automated, IoT-enabled/robotic equipment, based in Durango, CO, with five subsidiaries in four countries. Think squirt guns on steroids run by humans and robots!StoneAge Holdings includes StoneAge Tools and Warthog Nozzles, trusted brands known worldwide for their durability, performance, and innovation in industrial cleaning applications. We are an innovative, employee-owned company that aims to change our industry and the world through advancing technical products and services – and with our unique, people-centric culture.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Benefits Analyst to join our team. This role is responsible for administering employee benefits programs, managing contracts, and serving as the company’s in-house ESOP specialist. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and compliance skills with excellent communication abilities, ensuring employees understand and maximize their benefits — especially their ownership in the company through the ESOP.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, ESOP, and wellness initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries, providing clear guidance and support.
• Partner with vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators to ensure smooth operations and accurate data exchanges.
• Monitor plan usage and cost trends, providing insights and recommendations for program improvements.

ESOP Administration & Education

• Act as the internal ESOP subject matter expert, overseeing day-to-day plan operations in coordination with third-party administrators, trustees, and legal advisors.
• Manage ESOP compliance requirements, including nondiscrimination testing, annual reporting, and audit preparation.
• Coordinate participant statements, account reconciliations, and distributions.
• Develop and deliver employee education programs to build understanding of ESOP benefits and foster an ownership culture.
• Partner with leadership to communicate ESOP performance and its role in total rewards.

Contract Analysis & Management

• Review, analyze, and track contracts with vendors, consultants, and benefit providers.
• Ensure contract terms comply with organizational policies, budgetary constraints, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify risks, obligations, and opportunities within contracts, flagging concerns and recommending solutions.
• Maintain an organized repository of benefits-related contracts, ensuring timely renewals and approvals.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, and ESOP-specific rules).
• Prepare and submit government filings and reports, including Form 5500 and related schedules.
• Audit benefits data and vendor invoices for accuracy.
• Support internal and external audits by providing accurate and timely documentation.
• Partner to develop and implement a document control strategy

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR, Finance, and external legal resources to align ESOP and benefits strategy with organizational goals.
• Provide analysis and recommendations to leadership on benefits and ownership programs.
• Support special projects related to ESOP growth, benefits optimization, and vendor evaluations.

Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of experience in benefits administration and contract analysis
• Prefer 1–2 years in ESOP administration or retirement plan management.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of employee benefit programs, retirement plans, and ESOP regulations.
• Ability to interpret and analyze legal documents, contracts, and plan documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, HRIS systems, and benefits/contract management tools.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, particularly in employee education.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

TEAM CULTURE

• Customer-Focused: Passionate about delivering outstanding customer service.
• Dedicated: Hardworking, trustworthy, and committed to giving 100% daily. “It’s not my job" doesn’t exist here.
• Adaptable and Creative: Agile in the face of change, striving for excellence, and thinking creatively to solve problems.
• Positive and Fun: Bring joy, humor, and a contagious positive attitude to the workplace.
• Respectful and Collaborative: Listen to understand, respect others, and foster a spirit of teamwork.

We are an employee-owned company with profit-sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), in which shares of company stock are allocated to eligible employees each year.
Our "Own It" mindset captures what many of us consider the biggest benefit of all: a highly engaged, collaborative workplace where everyone matters and every employee makes a significant impact.
Please visit our website at www.stoneagetools.com to get a better sense of our company and our employee-owned culture!