Benefits Analyst
Description
Hood Industries, Inc. is a blend of forest products manufacturing and distribution concerns that include plywood and lumber manufacturing facilities, as well as twenty-three specialty wood product distribution centers, located in fifteen states serving a wide variety of customers.
The Benefits Analyst is responsible for supporting the design, administration, and analysis of the organization’s employee benefit programs. This role collects and interprets benefits data, ensures plan compliance, supports open enrollment, and serves as a resource to employees and People Operations team regarding benefit offerings, processes, and policies.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and identify/resolve discrepancies through regular audits.
- Coordinate with benefits carriers, vendors, and third-party administrators to resolve coverage and billing issues. Auditing file feeds for efficient communications of data and solutions to provide efficiency in those transactions.
- Assist in the day-to-day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, and retirement plans. Process enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS/benefits systems accurately and in a timely manner.
- Support annual open enrollment, including testing systems, preparing materials, and assisting with employee meetings or webinars. Provide clear guidance to employees on how to enroll, make changes, and use their benefits. Respond to employee questions regarding eligibility, coverage, claims, and plan provisions.
- Assist with benchmarking benefits programs against market data to ensure competitiveness. Collect, analyze, and report on benefits data (enrollment, costs, utilization, etc.) Prepare regular and ad-hoc benefits reports for HR leadership and Finance. Identify trends, risks, and opportunities in benefits usage and costs and recommend improvements.
- Support audits, data requests, and vendor reviews related to benefit plans. Participate in benefits-related projects such as vendor transitions, system upgrades, and plan design changes. Partner with HRIS/IT to test and maintain benefits configurations and data accuracy. Look for process efficiencies in enrollment, billing, and communications.
Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with good negotiation tactics.
- Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Above average analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and present findings in a clear way.
- Familiarity with key benefits regulations (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA) preferred.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and reporting.
- Working knowledge of common employee benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, FSA).
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Enhance proficiency in Microsoft Excel (v-lookups, pivot tables, basic formulas).
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 5 years of experience in benefits, HR, or HRIS role
- Experience with benefits administration systems and/or HRIS (e.g., UKG, Workday, ADP, Paylocity, etc.) preferred.
- SHRM, PHR, or related coursework/certification preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Salary Range: $65,000 - $72,000
Additional Information:
Hood Industries offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, employee assistance program, dental, vision, cancer, life, 401k, flexible spending account, and LTD, available first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time employment.
Hood Industries requires that applicants consent to a background check and a drug screen to continue in the selection process. All employment offers are contingent on meeting our background check standards and successful passing of the required drug test. If hired, you will be required to provide documentation indicating your legal right to work in the U.S.
An Equal Opportunity Employer