Benefits Specialist

RESPECT to people, COURAGE to be pioneers and raise the bar, and always demonstrating INTEGRITY and authenticity. Do these core values align with yours? If so, Lhoist North America may be the place for you! We are a company that believes our people make it happen and rewards talent by offering opportunities to further develop your knowledge and interests. Within our organization, we offer safety first environments, collaboration across teams, diverse and inclusive workspaces all while challenging each other to grow.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Benefits Specialist is responsible for providing direct support to employees with benefits, maintaining employee data base, managing employee files and insurance billings, supporting the administration of employee benefits programs, communicating and delivering training and onboarding regularly to employees. This position is also responsible for working closely with the Payroll team and with Compliance, for the proper reporting of taxable fringe benefits including company-provided vehicles, relocation, payroll integration, and group term life insurance. Our benefits programs consist of health, disability, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment benefits, pension plans and a 401(k) plan for approximately 1600 plus employees with an annual cost of approximately 24+ million dollars.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

• Administer various employee benefits plans and programs in an efficient, timely and accurate manner to assist employees in making decisions regarding their future.
• Coordinate with HR team to initiate benefits campaigns in due time and with the relevant communication plan.
• Collaborate with the HR Generalist to develop communication materials and support with ensuring that all employee benefit information is communicated timely and accurately by leading ongoing education training for HRBP's, Plant Administrators, and leadership in order to communicate effectively to the workforce around their benefit plans.
• Coordinate with HR Business Partners to initiate and manage the benefits start to eligible employees (e.g. leave of absence, disability insurance, life insurance).
• Support the implementation of benefit programs and the communication of benefit information to employees and management by being visible and present at locations.
• Maintain a high level of customer service and responsiveness to HRBP's, Plant Administrators and employees during and after the benefit enrollment process.
• Support the contact and relationship with outside benefit consultants/brokers, insurance companies, actuaries, and trustees to ensure consistent application and interpretation of benefit plans within the Group.
• Monitors administration of taxable employee fringe benefits ensuring compliance with IRS regulations with support from payroll.
• Support with the implementation of a plan to achieve a high level of technical proficiency in employee benefit programs resulting in a diminishing reliance on outside consultants.
• Provide analysis around benefit issues in relation to efficiency initiatives, acquisitions and mergers.
• Complete required reporting including compliance reports.
• Assists with new vendor implementations or process improvement projects and initiatives.
• Support the benefits integrations with vendors, in collaboration with their manager, Total Rewards Director, and HRIS Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Excellent communication skills, oral & written and customer service is paramount to this position with people in potentially stressful situations.
• Requires a high-level knowledge of human resources procedures and law, management and familiarity with benefits policies, procedures, and programs.
• This position requires continuous follow-through and closure.
• Must maintain complete confidentiality and interact with all levels of the organization in a professional, confident, and effective manner.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and/or self-direction.
• Have a demonstrated ability to plan, organize, be detailed, and delegate if needed.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects and meeting all required deadlines.
• Strong sense of urgency in meeting customer needs.
• Analytical skills.
• On-going education is required to stay current with benefit laws.
• Computer and data processing skills and experience, along with strong analytical, problem solving, and communications skills. ability to work effectively with all levels within the organization including significant outside contacts include actuaries, legal specialists, insurance brokers, insurance companies, recordkeeper and Trust Company personnel.
• Strong working knowledge of Family Medical Act, ADA, ERISA, Benefits, and other related local, state, and federal labor laws is required.
• Must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint software. Workday and SAP knowledge is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 120 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.
• Will be working most of the times in an office environment but may have to be out in a mining environment.
• The employee could be exposed to the following working conditions if out in the mining environment: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Mineral/Lime Particles.
• The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing, typing, and sitting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to travel up 40% as directed by leadership

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree in HR, Business, Finance, Accounting, Organizational Communications, and/or or related field and/or equivalent proven work experience in the field is required.

PREFFERED EDUCATION:

• CEBS or W@W certifications. Master's degree is a plus

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Requires a minimum of 3-7 years of progressive benefit administration, knowledge of laws, in a fast-paced heavy manufacturing, construction, mining, and mineral processing environment. Previous multi-location HR benefits is a plus. High-level working knowledge of employee benefits law, human resources, and accounting is required

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:

Must have at least five (5) years of progressive and proven benefit knowledge, and administrative experience

Lhoist North America offers a very competitive salary package that includes but is not limited to comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, vacation, and disability insurance. You can plan for your future with Lhoist North America 401K retirement savings options which includes an employer match. Lhoist North America also recognizes the importance of continuing education by offering Educational Assistance to our employees to encourage continued personal development and professional growth.

Here at Lhoist North America, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all individuals and strongly support diversity in our workplace. We strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone, and we are committed to treating everyone in a fair and equitable manner. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.