Sr Specialist Benefits Job Locations US-CA-Irvine | US-WA-Seattle | US-CO-Denver | US-UT-Salt Lake City Primary Posting Location : City Irvine Primary Posting Location : State/Province CA Primary Posting Location : Postal Code 92603 Primary Posting Location : Country US Requisition ID 2024-431672 Position Type Full Time Category Professional: (IT, Finance, Legal, HR, Talent Acquisition, Administrative, Customer Service) Minimum USD $29.80/Hr. Maximum USD $31.00/Hr. Summary Senior Specialist Benefits Position Summary The Sr. Benefits Specialist is accountable for performing the administrative functions for the Company's benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, and disability programs in compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and applicable Federal and/or State employment laws in the U.S. The role will also support the benefit programs in Canada. Job Will Remain Open Until Filled Responsibilities The Company is one of North America's leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today. Position Summary The Sr. Benefits Specialist is accountable for performing the administrative functions for the Company's benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, and disability programs in compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and applicable Federal and/or State employment laws in the U.S. The role will also support the benefit programs in Canada. Job Duty Benefit Plan Administration * The senior benefits specialist collaborates with and provides internal subject matter expertise and support to Human Resources (HR) and is one of the primary contacts for external vendors regarding benefit data. * Main contact for the Benefits Specialist team questions and support. * Understands the HRIS system processes and functionality to support the benefits team. * Maintains a higher level of understanding of the Company's benefit plans and regulatory benefit requirements. * Familiar with vendor contracts, SPDs, and compliance reporting. * Manages the internal ticketing system distribution and provides support and resolution for complex employee issues. * Assistance to employees and/or dependents in resolving escalated benefit issues or corrections to benefit plans or enrollment. * Audit and analyze employee benefit changes or updates in the HRIS/payroll system and with third-party vendors. * Audit arrears in the HRIS system and work with the payroll or systems team to update them. * Assist with the coordination of annual Open Enrollment, including benefits system setup, communications, data audits, and data feeds to vendors. * Participates in testing the HRIS system during implementations and preparation for open enrollment. * Understand carrier and third-party vendor file interfaces and participate in identifying issues and collaborating with the HRIS team on solutions. * Review and approve benefit elections and life events in the benefits system as needed. * Supports business with training and education of benefit programs. * Train and mentor Benefits Specialists. * Delegate tasks when appropriate. Supervisory Responsibilities Direct Reports - Th