Senior Specialist - Benefits

Wood Mackenzie•Boston, MA

1d•$90,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

Wood Mackenzie is the global leader in analytics, insights and proprietary data across the entire energy and natural resources landscape. For over 50 years our work has guided the decisions of the world’s most influential energy producers, utilities companies, financial institutions and governments. Now, with the world’s energy system more complex and interconnected than ever before, sector-specific views are no longer enough. That’s why we’ve redefined what’s possible with Intelligence Connected. By fusing our unparalleled proprietary data with the sharpest analytical minds, all supercharged by Synoptic AI, we deliver a clear, interconnected view of the entire value chain. Our trusted team of 2,700 experts across 30 countries breaks siloes and connects industries, markets and regions across the globe. This empowers our customers to identify risk sooner, spot opportunities faster and recalibrate strategy with confidence – whether planning days, weeks, months or decades ahead. Wood Mackenzie Intelligence Connected WoodMac.com Wood Mackenzie Brand Video Wood Mackenzie Values Inclusive – we succeed together Trusting – we choose to trust each other Customer committed – we put customers at the heart of our decisions Future Focused – we accelerate change Curious – we turn knowledge into action The Senior Specialist – Human Resources (Benefits) will support the delivery of benefits provision across the Americas region. This role is responsible for benefits administration across the regions by managing our BAU activities, along with supporting annual renewals and projects. The successful candidate for this position must have experience and a thorough knowledge of benefits and payroll practices across the Americas region (US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil). The ideal candidate will have experience working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and be willing to guide, support, and engage with the wider HR and payroll/finance teams.

Requirements

4+ years of benefits administration, ideally across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to analyze situations and recommend solutions
Experience working with HR systems such as Workday
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams

Responsibilities

Enter and validate employee benefit elections during onboarding or open enrolment
Process benefit cessation and ensure correct end dates for leavers
Review and approve life event requests and update benefit selections accordingly
Coordinate COBRA notifications, enrolment, and continuation coverage administration with the vendor following qualifying events.
Manage end-to-end leave cases including approvals and employee/manager co-ordination
Communicate leave status and related changes to payroll to ensure accurate pay and benefit deductions.
Ensure benefits continue or adjust correctly during periods of leave
Provide first-line guidance on benefit plans, enrolment, coverage, and processes. Send standard communications to employees.
Investigate and resolve complex benefit issues escalated from employees, managers, vendors, or HR teams.
Work with vendors to resolve denied or complex insurance claims
Advise employees on benefit options and coverage implications
Resolve benefit-related payroll issues, deductions, adjustments, and reimbursements in partnership with payroll
Guide employees on steps needed for benefit changes or compliance
Serve as day-to-day liaison between company and benefit providers/brokers
Manage complex vendor/service issues not resolved via standard channels
Monitor and ensure all benefits comply with relevant regulations
Produce and submit statutory filings and employee compliance communications
Provide documentation and responses during internal or external audits
Continue supporting HR operations processes where needed
Ensure employee data accuracy in HR systems (e.g., Workday)
Perform system testing for benefit changes, upgrades, or renewals
Oversee system interfaces between HRIS, payroll, and benefit vendors
Monitor and reconcile benefits data across systems
Validate carrier invoices against enrolment and eligibility data
Correct historical billing discrepancies and backdated changes
Manage employer contributions and funding processes for savings plans