Senior Benefits Specialist

Position Summary: 

Necco is hiring a Senior Benefits Specialist to oversee and optimize our employee benefits programs. This role integrates operational benefits administration with strategic analysis, ensuring our programs remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with employee needs and organizational goals. 

The Senior Benefits Specialist will develop, administer, and assess benefits offerings, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and leave policies. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, analytical expertise, and an ability to interpret complex data for informed decision-making. 

This role is based at our corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, with hybrid flexibility. A minimum of one in-office day per week is required. 

The candidate selected will be responsible for the following: 

Benefits Administration 

• Manage day-to-day operations of benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and voluntary benefits 

• Oversee open enrollment, including communication, system updates, employee support, and vendor coordination 

• Provide timely and accurate responses to employee benefits inquiries 

• Administer benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations 

• Maintain third-party websites and portals for insurance and benefits providers 

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, and other applicable laws 

Benefits Strategy and Analysis 

• Analyze benefits utilization, costs, and employee feedback to assess program effectiveness and recommend enhancements 

• Benchmark company benefits against industry standards to ensure competitiveness and cost efficiency 

• Develop reports and dashboards to monitor benefits trends, financial impacts, and employee engagement 

• Collaborate with Payroll, Benefits, and HR leadership to refine existing programs and develop new offerings 

Employee Communication and Education 

• Design and deliver training sessions on benefits programs and enrollment processes. 

• Develop communication materials, including benefits guides, FAQs, and intranet updates 

• Act as a trusted resource, guiding employees through plan options, coverage details, and claims processes 

Vendor and Contract Management 

• Manage relationships with third-party vendors to ensure service efficiency and contract compliance 

• Work with brokers to negotiate competitive pricing and favorable terms with benefits providers 

• Monitor vendor performance and resolve employee concerns 

Compliance and Reporting 

• Ensure timely completion of government filings and audits (e.g., 5500 forms) 

• Maintain accurate benefits data and records within HRIS systems 

• Stay updated on regulatory changes and update programs accordingly 

Corporate Citizen 

• Practice ruthless pragmatism 

• Engage in peer-to-peer feedback 

• Know and live the Necco Corporate Culture Principles 

• Embody the three essential virtues of humble, hungry and smart 

• Drive your Individual Performance Scorecard  

• Adhere to and contribute to the Necco meeting structure 

Position Qualifications 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field 

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in benefits administration and/or benefits analytics 

• Strong understanding of employee benefits regulations and compliance (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA) 

• Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration systems 

• Advanced Excel skills and experience with data analysis tools 

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment 

• Professional certifications (PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS) preferred 

• Successful completion of all required criminal background checks. 

At Necco, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable work environment. We embrace individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse team fosters innovation and creativity, and we actively seek candidates from all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages to join our organization. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for employment and advancement to all qualified individuals, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.