Senior Benefits Analyst and Operations Lead

Benefits Analyst / Benefits Operations Lead

Role Overview

This senior‑level position supports and optimizes employee benefits programs within a complex, 24/7 manufacturing environment. The role provides advanced analytical expertise, benefits operations support, and vendor management for a diverse workforce that includes hourly, salaried, union, and non‑union employees. Success requires deep technical benefits knowledge, strong analytical capability, and the ability to partner effectively across Human Resources, Labor Relations, Payroll, and site leadership.

Primary Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Provide expert‑level administration of medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and executive benefit plans.

• Resolve complex eligibility, leave, and job‑transfer inquiries from employees and supervisors.

• Process benefit actions for hires, promotions, transfers, layoffs, and recalls with accuracy and timeliness.

• Maintain alignment between HRIS systems, benefits platforms, payroll, and union contract provisions.

Union & Labor Relations Support

• Interpret and administer benefit‑related sections of collective bargaining agreements.

• Support contract negotiations through benefit costing, trend analysis, and plan comparisons.

• Partner with union representatives and HR teams to resolve benefit concerns and support grievance responses.

Vendor & Carrier Management

• Serve as daily contact for carriers and third‑party administrators to resolve service issues.

• Conduct audits of vendor transactions, including leave claims, COBRA events, and new‑hire enrollments.

• Support RFPs, renewals, rate analysis, and plan design work with consultants and actuaries.

Analytics & Reporting

• Conduct cost modeling, utilization analysis, and trend reporting.

• Provide insights to Benefits leadership on cost drivers and plan optimization opportunities.

• Maintain dashboards for enrollment activity, leave trends, overtime impact, and wellness participation.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, USERRA, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Support Form 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing, audits, and required annual communications.

• Maintain SOPs and process controls tailored to manufacturing environments.

Open Enrollment & Communications

• Support system configuration, testing, and communications planning for annual open enrollment.

• Manage multi‑shift rollout to ensure all employees receive accurate materials.

• Plan benefits fairs and wellness events; develop clear communications for a primarily onsite workforce.

• Conduct supervisor training and onsite informational sessions.

Global & Specialized Programs

• Oversee benefits programs for international locations, ensuring compliance and competitiveness.

• Partner with global consultants and site leadership on renewals and ongoing issues.

• Manage corporate relocation programs, including vendor invoicing and policy updates.

• Administer expatriate programs in coordination with Payroll and external tax partners.

• Manage the vehicle reimbursement program, including compliance and imputed income calculations.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.

• Five to seven years of experience in benefits administration; manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment and interact effectively at all levels.

• Strong analytical and technical skills, including intermediate to advanced Excel proficiency.

• Experience with HRIS systems such as Workday, SAP, or UKG; Workday experience is a plus.

• Technologically adept and comfortable working across multiple applications.