Benefits Specialist

IEM is the largest independent full-line manufacturer of electrical distribution and control systems in North America. The Company has developed one of the most sophisticated electrical product manufacturing systems in the world and has cultivated partnerships with leading component suppliers resulting in optimal solutions to customer problems. IEM has offices in California, Florida, Canada and Belgium.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Benefits Specialist is a proactive member of our Center of Excellence for Workforce Services. This role is responsible for supporting employees and ensuring smooth administration of US benefit programs. The Benefits Specialist is the go-to person for benefits-related questions, management of enrollment processes, day-to-day administrative support and communication of employee benefit programs, including health insurance, 401(k) plan, wellness programs, and other company benefits. The Benefits Specialist plays a key role in benefits enrollment, collaborating with payroll in processing deductions, leave management, and ongoing benefits communication.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Benefits Administration

• Provide administrative support for employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and other company-provided benefits while ensuring compliance with data protection, procedures, and documentation.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of all benefit enrollments and changes, including new hires, terminations, life event changes, etc. in the HRIS to facilitate accurate eligibility information is provided to the insurance carriers.
• Perform quality checks of benefits related data.
• Maintain benefits enrollment spreadsheet and coordinate with the payroll specialist to provide accurate and timely payroll related data for deductions, adjustments, including any catch-up contributions to ensure payroll is processed accurately.
• Handle invoice processing, premium reconciliations, and discrepancy resolutions.

• Integral contributor and facilitator during annual open enrollment process.
• Update and maintain benefit plans, rates, enrollment events, enrollment dependencies and benefit providers’ information in HRIS.
• Periodically review ACA data for accuracy to ensure compliance.
• Coordinate with TPA for COBRA administration.
• Coordinate with TPA for FSA and HSA administration.
• Process and administer statutory and personal leaves of absence.

Employee Support & Communication

• Serve as primary point of contact for employees on benefits-related inquiries, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, and 401(k).
• Assist employees with claims issues, eligibility, and qualifying life event changes.
• Help coordinate benefits-related trainings and communications, including open enrollment and new hire orientation.

• Act as an integral contributor during the annual open enrollment process, ensuring smooth execution and employee engagement.
• Assist in developing and implement benefit communications to assist employees with benefit programs and policies.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops on benefits offerings and enrollment procedures.
• Escalate and with brokers and vendors to resolve employee benefit issues and enhance service delivery.

COMPETENCIES:

• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel
• Proficiency in use of and expert understanding of UKG timekeeping system; ability to troubleshoot and educate others
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with multiple and diverse customers in large group settings and 1-on-1 interactions
• Ability to build effective working relationships and to work collaboratively with key stakeholders
• Able to handle confidential information with discretion

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business or related field
• 5 years’ experience in benefits administration for 500 employees
• Manufacturing experience is a plus
• Strong understanding of U.S. benefits-related laws and regulatory requirements, such as COBRA, ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, PPACA.
• Experience working with an HRIS such as ADP Workforce Now and/or UKG Pro, including benefits enrollment, deduction processing, carrier connections and uploads.
• Excellent analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and standards of human resources
• Highly responsible, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
• Able to handle sensitive employee information with a high-level of confidentiality and professionalism, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and company policies.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills to assist employees and work with vendors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL:

Physical Demands:

Activities: Sitting – 90% Walking/Standing – 10%

Lifting: Must be able to lift up to 10lbs.

Vision: Long periods of close work on computer screen.

Mental Demands: Interpret, analyze, research, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Environment: Climate controlled office space.