Description
SUMMARY
The Benefits Specialist is responsible for implementing and administering benefit programs to attract, retain and motivate a high-performance organization. This role will be a valuable team member in evaluating health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, leave administration, wellness initiatives, and regulatory compliance while ensuring programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the organization's business objectives and culture.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage and aid in evaluation of the company’s benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, disability, life insurance, and other employee perks.
- Oversee open enrollment processes, including employee communications and system updates.
- Collaborate with benefits vendors and brokers to ensure competitive and cost-effective offerings.
- Identify opportunities to improve program effectiveness with controlling costs.
- Handle benefits-related inquiries and resolve employee issues with a high level of customer service.
- Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPPA, FMLA, IRS and other relevant regulations.
- Ensure compliance with payroll tax laws, labor regulations, and benefits-related legislation.
- Prepare and file necessary compliance reports, including 401(k) audits, Form 5500, and other required filings.
- Establish and manage tax jurisdiction set up for state and local taxes.
- Conduct regular audits of payroll and benefits data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on benefits.
- Partner with senior leadership to develop long-term total rewards strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Prepare executive reports and presentations regarding benefits and workforce trends
- Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT teams to align benefits operations with company goals.
- Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
- Support mergers, acquisitions, and organizational changes related to benefits integration
REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Human Resources, or related field and/or equivalent work experience
Experience:
- Strong knowledge of regulatory and legislative issues impacting Benefits. Should be able to provide guidelines to employees, managers, and directors.
- Knowledge of all federal, state, and local regulations and compliance requirements related to employee benefits.
- Must be familiar with all aspects of plan administration including required testing, Form 5500 preparation, and plan design, and regulations related to the retirement plan
- Strong HR systems acumen
- Experience setting up tax jurisdictions for local taxes
SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES
- Strong written and oral communication.
- Organization and attention to detail.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Time management.
- Systems analysis.
- Mathematical and deductive reasoning.
- Critical thinking.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.
Physical Requirements:
- Sit and stand as needed.
- May require walking on a level surface for periods throughout the day.
- Reaching above shoulders, below waist and lifting as required to file documents or store materials.
- Lifting to 25 lbs.
Work Environment:
- Typical office setting
- May require you to enter a manufacturing environment that requires proper PPE including safety shoes, safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Manufacturing environment may be loud, hot/cold depending on season
Disclaimer: This list does not represent all physical demands. Descriptions are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the jobs’ essential functions.
Welch Packaging is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in business, Human Resources, or related field or equivalent work experience
- Strong knowledge of regulatory and legislative issues impacting benefits (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, IRS)
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and compliance requirements related to employee benefits
- Familiarity with plan administration including required testing, Form 5500 preparation, and retirement plan regulations
- Strong HR systems acumen
- Experience setting up tax jurisdictions for local taxes
- Experience managing open enrollment, employee communications, and vendor/broker relationships
- Strong written and oral communication, organization, analytical and problem-solving, time management, and systems analysis skills
What We Do
Welch Packaging is a family-owned network of custom corrugated manufacturing companies founded in 1985. They specialize in creating the 'Ultimate Corrugated Experience' for local customers, providing industrial and retail-ready packaging solutions, as well as assembly and fulfillment services. Operating across the Midwest, Midsouth, and Mid-Atlantic regions, they focus on making a difference in their customers' businesses and local communities.
