Career Opportunities: Sr Staff, Benefits Specialist (5073)

Murphy Oil Corporation • Houston, TX

84d

About The Position

The Sr Staff, Benefits Specialist is responsible for evaluating, developing, and managing employee benefits programs to ensure the organization maintains a competitive position in the marketplace while effectively managing overall program costs. This role oversees plan design and documentation, healthcare reform compliance, open enrollment setup and execution, RDS submissions, benefits audits, system updates and integrations, and various special projects. The Benefits Advisor collaborates with leadership to develop and execute benefits strategies and should have a working knowledge of medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA), life, disability, 401(k), pension, and other benefit plans. Outstanding written, verbal, and visual communication skills are vital, as is the ability to engage effectively with employees, peers, and leadership across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 15 years' experience in employee benefits administration or other associated business roles.
• Strong understanding of employee benefit programs and applicable laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and recommend strategic improvements.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, benefits platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Work in partnerships with vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators to coordinate benefit administration and ensure programs are competitive and cost-effective.
• Manage administrative costs of benefit programs and recommend cost-containment strategies, including alternate structures and funding methods.
• Maintain HR systems to ensure accurate employee eligibility data, weekly file feeds, and payroll deduction reconciliations.
• Drive day-to-day benefits operations, including reconciliations, responses to employee inquiries, and issue resolution related to health benefits, 401(k), and other plans.
• Facilitate and execute annual open enrollment processes.
• Ensure benefit plans comply with federal and state regulations, including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, and COBRA requirements.
• Prepare and support audits, nondiscrimination testing, and required filings such as Form 5500.
• Prepare HRIS reports to support governmental and audit requests, including annual nondiscrimination testing and ACA reporting.
• Partner with vendors and auditors to maintain plan integrity and compliance.
• Conduct self-audits and review account reconciliations, striving to streamline and automate processes where possible.
• Analyze benefits data and trends to assess business risks and develop recommended solutions.
• Perform 401(k) contribution and loan reconciliations for each payroll cycle; maintain SERP plans.
• Communicate benefits information clearly and effectively to employees through written materials, presentations, and individual consultations.
• Respond to employee inquiries via group inboxes and other communication channels promptly and professionally.
• Update and maintain benefits policy and procedure manuals.
• Develop and deliver benefits education materials and training sessions to increase employee understanding and engagement.
• Promote the development of a pipeline of benefits talent by coaching, mentoring, training and supporting the development of HR staff.
• Regularly monitor competitive trends, regulatory changes, and emerging best practices in employee benefits.
• Participate in benefits surveys, meetings, and training opportunities to maintain expertise and ensure programs remain aligned with industry standards.
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams on the design and implementation of benefit strategy initiatives.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule with the option to work remotely up to two days a week.
• Participation in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' E-Verify program.
• Equal Opportunity Employer status.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Oil and Gas Extraction
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree