The Senior Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day to day management of all MSH benefits programs, both domestic and international. The position ensures corporate oversight and regulatory compliance of benefits plans in all countries in which MSH operates. The position will be required to review regulatory compliance of all benefits plans on an annual basis, recommend changes to plans based on regulatory or market based changes and recommend benefits offerings in new countries as the business expands.
Specific Responsibilities:
US Welfare Plans: 40%
- Administers major medical plans; term life insurance plans; temporary disability programs; and accidental death policies.
- Ensures company compliance with provisions of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) as well as other US regulatory bodies (DOL, IRS etc.). Supervises preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies, such as Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, insurance commissioners, and other regulatory agencies. Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits, and reports necessary or suggested changes to management. Coordinates company benefits with government sponsored programs.
- Evaluates and compares existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information. Plans, develops, and/or participates in area and industry surveys. Analyzes results of surveys and develops specific recommendations for review by management.
- Develops specifications for new plans or recommends modifications to existing plans to maintain company’s competitive position in labor market.
- Installs approved new plans and changes by preparing announcement material, booklets, and other media for communicating new plans to employees. In conjunction with Benefits Analyst, conducts employee meetings and arranges for enrollment of employees in optional plans. Revises and reissues all communications material on benefits on an annual basis. Advises and counsels management and employees on existing benefits.
- Prepares and executes, with legal consultation and approval of management, benefit documentation such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Instructs insurance carriers, trustees, and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefit program. Ensures prompt and accurate compliance.
- Handles benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.
US Retirement Benefits 401(k), 457(b): 20%
- Administers 401(k) and 457(b) plans per the plan documents
- Ensures both plans are in compliance with federal, state and local laws
- Oversees preparation of all government filings (eg., 5500) associated with these two plans.
- Serves as the Secretary, a non-voting member, of the 401(k) Fiduciary Committee, coordinates meetings with outside vendors and is the point of contact for these individuals
Field Benefits: 30%
- Develops, implements, and drives the administration of employee benefits programs in international locations.
- Evaluates and compares existing company benefits with those of other employers. Plans, develops, and/or participates in area and industry surveys. Analyzes results of surveys and develops specific recommendations for review by management.
- Responsible for maintaining and communicating International Benefits governance and decision making rights.
- Creates, processes and policies to maintain and ensure compliance with applicable laws. Reviews existing proposed statutory requirements governing benefits and recommend appropriate courses of action to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
- Manages roll-out of new benefit programs by preparing estimates of requirements; leveraging cross functional teams; identifying and mitigating benefits compliance issues; managing timelines; defining and communicating expectations and process standards; tracking progress; investigating and adopting best practices.
- Supports management decision matrix by analysing benefits and accurately predicting future costs.
*Other Employee Benefits: 10%*
- Works with Benefits Analyst in maintaining a US Employee Wellness Program.
- Manages FMLA leaves, Medical leaves and HIPPA compliance.
- Takes the lead on planning, developing sustainability and redesigning benefits plans and policies.
- Partners with Local HR to ensure compliance with local, federal and international laws and changes to regulations.
- Creates an excellent delivery model by creating and managing relationships with vendors, brokers and consultants.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree + 6-8 years of progressive experience;
- Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in managing and implementing US benefit programs
- 3+ years of managing international benefits
KNOWLEDGE and******SKILLS:*
- Demonstrated analytical and quantitative capabilities and problem resolution skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, organization, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong group presentation and facilitation skills.
- Excellent project management skills (organizational and planning skills essential).
COMPETENCIES:
- Ability to effectively address diverse audiences with varied knowledge and experience with benefit programs.
- High integrity, ability to function effectively in ambiguous and rapidly changing, fast paced organization.
- Team player with strong negotiating and consulting skills and experience working and influencing within a matrixed environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Keyboard use, pulling drawers, lifting papers <10 lbs., some US travel may be required.
- Audits files to ensure appropriate billing.
Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
EmoticonEmoticon