Senior Benefits Specialist

Southland Industries • Garden Grove, CA

111d • $105,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Senior Benefits Specialist supports the design, administration, and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs, with an emphasis on program cost analysis, compliance, and vendor management. This role requires experience with self-insured program administration and the ability to contribute to benefits financial planning, while maintaining responsibility for day-to-day operations and employee engagement. The Specialist partners with Finance and HR leadership to ensure programs remain competitive, cost-effective, and compliant.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of self-insured health plans and related financial aspects.
• Strong understanding of retirement and health insurance programs.
• Solid grasp of federal and state benefits compliance requirements.
• Ability to analyze benefits data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Effective communication skills to translate complex information for employees.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, or related field required.
• 5-7 years of experience in benefits administration, with some exposure to self-insured programs and financial planning.
• Professional certification (CEBS, CBP) preferred but not required.
• Experience in construction, engineering, or related industries is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the administration of health, welfare, and retirement programs, including 401(k) and self-insured health plans.
• Support financial modeling and cost analysis of benefits programs, including trend reviews and benchmarking.
• Collaborate with Finance and brokers to evaluate self-insured program performance, stop-loss coverage, and claims experience.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA.
• Maintain strong relationships with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure quality service delivery.
• Assist with open enrollment planning, communications, and employee education initiatives.
• Serve as a resource for employee inquiries, helping resolve complex issues or escalations.
• Contribute to developing benefits communications, including presentations, guides, and employee tools.
• Provide reporting and analysis on benefits utilization and cost trends to HR and Finance leadership.
• Support benefits integration activities during mergers or acquisitions.
• Work closely with HR, Accounting, and Finance teams to align benefits data with business needs.
• Participate in cross-functional projects related to total rewards, wellness, and employee engagement.

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan with 50% Company Match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Annual incentive program based upon performance, profitability, and achievement
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - 100% Paid for Employee
• Term Life, AD&D Insurance, and Voluntary Life Insurance
• Disability Income Protection Insurance
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plans (Health and Dependent Care)
• Holidays/Vacation/Personal Time/Life Events Leave
• Numerous training opportunities and company paid membership for professional associations and licenses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Specialty Trade Contractors
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree