HR Benefits Analyst II/III/IV

Knife River•Bismarck, ND

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index. This position is based in Bismarck, ND. However, qualified remote candidates may be considered but must be able to travel frequently for onsite training and team collaboration. Overview: We are seeking an HR Benefits Analyst who is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service to employees and retirees while supporting the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of our benefits programs. Serve as the expert for region HR team members and serve as a resource for corporate team members and retirees, ensuring their benefit questions are answered. Assist in developing and managing benefit programs to ensure they meet organizational goals and compliance requirements. Coordinate benefits implementation, including systems updates, process improvements, and compliance procedures. Serve as a liaison with vendors to support plan administration and issue resolution. Conduct benefits research, including benchmarking, competitive analysis, and compliance review. Gather and analyze key plan data such as participation, utilization, and cost trends and provide insight to management based on the data. Support cost-reduction and efficiency initiatives through data analysis and recommendations.

Requirements

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels and retirees.
Excellent customer service skills and the ability to build trusted internal and external relationships while maintaining confidentiality.
Working knowledge of statistical analysis, benefits design, and benefits‑related laws and regulations.
Self‑motivated team player with strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
Proven analytical ability, including applying accounting principles to support benefit design, cost analysis, and funding recommendations.
High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow directions and meet deadlines.
Professional, courteous, and service‑oriented in all interactions.
Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
Valid driver's license may be required.
Benefits Analyst II: Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, accounting, or a related field. Minimum of two years of comprehensive benefits experience, including health and welfare programs and qualified retirement plans.
Benefits Analyst III : Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, accounting, or a related field. Minimum of four years of benefits program management and compliance experience in health and welfare programs and qualified retirement plans.
Benefits Analyst IV: Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, accounting, or a related field. Minimum of seven years of advanced experience in employee benefits program management, benefits accounting, and compliance experience across health and welfare plans and qualified retirement plans.

Nice To Haves

Additional experience in benefits accounting and/or payroll.
Advanced Excel skills, including formulas, descriptive statistical functions (average, standard deviation), V-lookups, and pivot tables.
HRIS system experience (preferable JDE and UKG Pro)
Background in benefits program management.
Experience supporting merger and acquisition activities.

Responsibilities

Track, monitor, and analyze claims, fees, premiums, reimbursements, costs, and related data; reconcile discrepancies in billing, enrollment, and plan details; interpret findings and prepare summary reports for management decision‑making.
Identify and recommend process improvements, system enhancements, and cost‑control opportunities; collaborate with corporate accounting to ensure accurate financial tracking.
Support senior benefits staff and management with comprehensive, in‑depth analysis and reporting.
Coordinate, compile, and validate data for nondiscrimination and coverage testing, premium billing, plan design evaluations, compliance activities, and other regulatory requirements.
Implement and update approved benefit and regulatory changes (e.g., HIPAA), including designing and streamlining systems, processes, and procedures.
Assist with employee and retiree benefits communications. Draft, edit, and review Summary Annual Reports, Plan Documents, Summary Plan Descriptions, Form 5500 filings, retiree communications, and other corporate materials.
Conduct analyses related to mergers, acquisitions, and plan integrations to support compliance, smooth transitions, and employee satisfaction.
Respond promptly to benefits inquiries from employees, retirees, and HR partners, providing accurate and clear guidance.
Assist in preparing and delivering benefits updates, program changes, and training sessions for employees and retirees. Serve as a subject‑matter expert for corporate and regional HR teams on existing benefit programs.
Research, analyze, and report on benefit requests from senior analysts and management.
Support benefits budget preparation and provide monthly variance analyses. Assist with evaluating renewals, plan changes, premium rates, and contract terms.
Maintain strong systems knowledge, including tracking capabilities, report generation, and understanding plan design impacts. Manage premium billing, employee and retiree contributions, and payment processing.
Develop and maintain project timelines to ensure timely completion of benefits initiatives.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.