Benefits Specialist

North American Breweries•Rochester, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Operations & Benefits Specialist is an exempt-level professional responsible for overseeing and administering key Human Resources operational processes, including leave management, benefits administration support, HRIS data governance, and employee services. The role exercises independent judgment in interpreting policies, managing complex leave cases, ensuring compliance with employment regulations, and maintaining data integrity across HR systems. This role partners closely with employees, managers, carriers, payroll, and HR leadership to deliver a consistent, compliant, and high-quality employee experience. In addition, the role leads day-to-day HR operational workflows, supports employee engagement initiatives, and provides analytical and administrative support across Human Resources for all client groups which include but are not limited to corporate, commercial, retail, and supply chain.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in HR Operations, Benefits Administration, Leave Management, or Employee Services.
Experience applying employment laws and regulations in practical scenarios.
Hands-on experience with HRIS systems; ADP preferred.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
PHR or CEBS Certifications a plus
Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary administrator for employee leave programs, including FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, STD, LTD, PFL, and parental leaves, applying judgment to complex or non-routine cases.
Interpret leave policies, applicable laws, and carrier requirements; advise employees and managers on eligibility, timelines, and compliance obligations.
Oversee submission, tracking, and resolution of leave and benefits-related documentation with carriers and third-party administrators.
Partner with Guardian and insurance carriers to monitor claims, resolve escalations, and ensure timely and accurate processing.
Monitor accommodation requests and return-to-work determinations, applying ADA and HIPAA guidelines.
Maintain secure medical and leave records and ensure compliance with confidentiality and regulatory standards.
Assist with Open Enrollment preparation and help employees with elections in ADP and with wellness incentive program.
Independently manage and oversee HRIS transactions, including onboarding, job changes, compensation updates, and terminations.
Review and validate HRIS data for accuracy; run audits and cross-check reports to identify and correct discrepancies.
Track pending HR actions, ensure timely execution, and maintain accurate employee records.
Partner with Payroll and Benefits to resolve discrepancies related to pay, deductions, and benefit eligibility.
Serve as a primary point of contact for employee inquiries related to benefits, payroll, leave, and employment status, applying judgment to resolve issues or escalate as appropriate.
Provide guidance to employees on personal profile updates, benefits elections, and HR processes.
Identify recurring issues and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
Support and coordinate employee engagement initiatives and HR programs in partnership with HR leadership.
Provide reporting, analytics, and operational insights to support workforce planning and compliance.
Support other HR initiatives and projects as needed, including policy implementation and change management.
Actively support a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.