Benefits Specialist - Supply Chain

WK Kellogg•Battle Creek, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist manages the delivery of Supply Chain benefit plans covering our hourly employees working in our manufacturing facilities. Acts as subject matter expert on Supply Chain benefit plans and by supporting labor contract negotiations, providing accurate data, cost modeling, and plan interpretation. Additionally, the position develops communication and education initiatives to ensure hourly employees understand and effectively utilize their benefits. The role requires strong knowledge of benefits, regulatory compliance, and collaborative partnership with HR, Labor Relations, and external vendors. Supervisor: Reports to the Head of Total Rewards with dotted lines to the Senior Manager, Total Rewards (Benefits) and Director, Total Rewards (Compensation and Retirement) Leadership Responsibility: No direct reports. Works as a partner in a cross-functional team of HR Generalists, plant HR managers, vendors, Finance, Legal and other internal and external partners. Peer Relationships: Works on a team comprised of a variety of compensation and benefits experts. Key Contacts: Works closely with HR shared services, plant HR managers, legal and labor specialists along with other members of the Total Rewards team and relevant contractors and third-party providers. This is a Hybrid role based in our Battle Creek, Michigan Corporate Headquarters. You will travel up to 25% of time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
Approximately 5 years of experience in benefits and/or HR roles.
Experience with Collective Bargaining Agreements strongly preferred.
Expertise in benefits compliance and regulations required.
Deep understanding of health, welfare, and ancillary benefit programs.
Strong analytical skills to interpret plan documents, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration systems; advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to explain complex benefit concepts clearly to leaders and employees.
Strong relationship-building and influencing skills to partner effectively with plant leadership, managers, HR teams, and external vendors.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail and accuracy.
Subject Matter Expertise – Demonstrates deep knowledge of union benefit plans and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Deliver benefits programs for hourly employees in alignment with collective bargaining agreements and regulatory requirements.
Serve as the subject matter expert on Supply Chain benefit plans during labor negotiations, providing accurate data, cost modeling, and plan interpretation.
Maintain and update benefit plan documents, including Summary Plan Descriptions, ensuring compliance and clarity.
Partner with HR, Labor Relations, and external vendors to resolve complex benefit issues and escalations.
Develop and deliver communication and education initiatives to help plant leadership, managers and hourly employees understand their benefits.
Monitor benefit plan operations for compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations; identify and escalate risks or discrepancies.
Partner with the broader team to support continuous improvement initiatives for benefits administration processes and employee experience.