Benefits Administrator

JOB SUMMARY: The Benefits Administrator will oversee, administer, and manage employees' benefits programs for the Company (front end and back end). This role involves ensuring compliance, supporting employee needs, and maintaining the effectiveness and competitiveness of all Company's benefits offerings. Working collaboratively with other HR professionals and management, the Benefits Administrator will help foster a workplace environment consistent with the Company's values and mission. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: • Manage day-to-day operations of group benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. • Act as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits, resolving issues promptly and effectively. • Oversee the back-end configuration and management of benefits systems, including setup for annual open enrollment and ongoing system updates. • Collaborate with HRIS vendors and internal IT teams to ensure accurate implementation of benefit plan changes and system enhancements. • Administer the company's 401(k) retirement plan, including overseeing employee enrollment, contribution changes, and loans. • Manage retirement plan compliance testing, including nondiscrimination testing, and annual 5500 filings. • Provide guidance and support to employees regarding retirement plan options, loans, withdrawals, and distributions. • Administer Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and providing employees with necessary information. • Manage Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) claims, working closely with employees and insurance carriers to ensure smooth claims processing and benefit payouts. • Ensure timely communication with employees regarding their leave status and benefits. • Administer annual open enrollment processes, including configuring HRIS open enrollment sessions, preparing communication materials, and assisting employees with enrollment. • Educate employees about benefit options through orientations, workshops, and individual consultations. • Address employee life events (e.g., leaves of absence, retirement) and provide guidance on how benefits are impacted. • Collaborate with HR and management to support employee retention and engagement through benefits offerings. • Ensure all benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA). • Prepare and file required compliance documents, including annual Form 5500. • Liaise with benefits providers to manage contracts, address service issues, and ensure quality. • Evaluate current benefits plans and recommend improvements to maintain competitiveness in the industry. • Reconcile benefits provider billing for health, dental, vision, disability, and retirement plans, ensuring accuracy and resolving discrepancies. • Process payments and work with accounting department to ensure timely payment to providers. • Maintain accurate records and manage benefits-related data in HRIS. • Generate reports and analytics to support decision-making regarding benefits strategies and costs. • Ability to travel to Haltom city (Dallas area) facility. • Ability to work out of Ledbetter location (Houston location) as needed. • Ability to work flexible hours to consistently and efficiently support employees in the manufacturing facilities (day & night shifts). • Collaborate with the HR team on special projects, such as employee engagement and company events. • Assist in special projects, as required. QUALIFITCATIONS & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required. Bilingual (English, Spanish) required. Minimum 3-5 years of benefits administration experience, ideally in a manufacturing or oil and gas environment. Certifications (Required): Professional certification in benefits, such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist), GBA (Group Benefits Associate), or RPA (Retirement Plans Associate). Other HR certifications (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) are also highly valued. SKILLS: Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs and related regulations. Proficiency in HRIS and benefits management software, including system configuration. Experience with retirement plan administration, including 401(k) plans, loans, and 5500 filings. Knowledge of FMLA, STD, and LTD administration processes and compliance. Experience with benefits provider billing reconciliation and vendor management. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to explain complex benefits concepts to employees. Analytical skills for evaluating and managing benefits costs and trends. Exceptional customer service mindset. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Outstanding organizational and time management abilities. Strong problem-solving aptitude and a proactive approach. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS &WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office-based role with visits to manufacturing sites for employee meetings and support. Standard business hours with flexibility required during peak periods (e.g., open enrollment). Stand or walk for extended periods. Occasionally lift items weighing up to 20 pounds. Navigate the manufacturing floor, adhering to safety protocols