Principal Benefits Specialist

Principal Benefits Specialist

Reporting to the US Benefits Manager, the Principal Benefits Specialist will play a key role in the design, implementation, and administration of benefits programs across a complex, multi-national environment. This role supports the design and delivery of scalable, competitive, and compliant programs that enhance employee experience and align with broader Total Rewards and business priorities.

As a subject matter expert, you will partner closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, vendors, and regional stakeholders to support benefits programs, including health & welfare, retirement, and well-being. You will contribute to both strategic initiatives and operational execution, ensuring effective, consistent, and compliant program delivery.

• Support the design, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of benefits programs, including health & welfare, retirement, leave, and well-being initiatives across multiple regions.
• Administer day-to-day benefits operations, including enrollments, renewals, and lifecycle activities, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and a strong employee experience.
• Manage and coordinate with benefits vendors (e.g., health, retirement, leave, and well-being providers), ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and delivery of high-quality services.
• Support and contribute to end-to-end implementation of new vendors and programs, including participation in RFP processes, project management, change management, and post-implementation audits.
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Payroll, HRIS, Finance, Legal, and regional stakeholders to support program delivery, resolve issues, and ensure alignment across functions.
• Resolve complex and escalated employee issues related to eligibility, claims, and vendor administration in partnership with internal teams and external providers.
• Support annual enrollment processes, including planning, system testing, audits, and employee communications.
• Collaborate with internal and external communications teams to develop clear, accurate, and engaging benefits communications for a diverse workforce.
• Analyze benefits data, trends, and costs in partnership with external consultants and internal stakeholders to identify insights, cost-saving opportunities, and program enhancements.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Support compliance with regulatory requirements, including preparation and coordination of required filings, documentation, and audits (e.g., U.S. ERISA-related filings).
• Assist with billing, financial tracking, reporting, and reconciliation activities to ensure accuracy and fiscal discipline.
• Identify and drive process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, data integrity, and service delivery across multiple benefits programs.
• Support HRIS and benefits system updates, integrations, and data management, ensuring accuracy and understanding downstream impacts of changes.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of experience in benefits, Total Rewards, or a related function.
• Experience supporting benefits programs in a multinational or complex organizational environment preferred.

• Strong knowledge of health & welfare and/or retirement benefit programs, with exposure to complex benefits environments preferred.
• Understanding of benefits laws and regulatory requirements (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and international equivalents as applicable).
• Experience working with third-party vendors, including participation in implementations, transitions, and ongoing performance management.
• Experience supporting or leading vendor implementations, including involvement in RFPs, system configuration, and post-implementation validation.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management capabilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Effective communication and stakeholder…