HR Benefits Analyst

Job Summary

The Benefits Analyst serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for all benefits data, processes, and day‑to‑day administration. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, a seamless associate experience; applies a continual investigation of new ways to communicate, educate, and ensure integration of benefits to drive utilization of the various benefit programs into the workforce, and provides high‑quality data‑based insights that support the overall benefits strategy.

The Benefits Analyst partners closely with the Director of HR, who holds primary responsibility for vendor relationships, plan design decisions, and strategic direction. Critical skills for this role include being approachable, analytical, detail‑oriented, and skilled at translating data into meaningful recommendations.

• Serve as the internal SME for benefits processes, data flows, and operational requirements.
• Manage day‑to‑day administration of health, welfare, and retirement programs.
• Maintain accurate eligibility, enrollment, and payroll deduction data across HRIS and vendor systems.
• Lead open enrollment operations, including system configuration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other benefit related regulatory requirements.
• Provide timely, high‑quality support to associates regarding benefits questions and escalations.

• Own benefits‑related data, reporting, and analytics.
• Analyze claims, utilization, enrollment trends, and cost drivers to identify risks and opportunities.
• Build dashboards and reports that translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Prepare data summaries, models, and recommendations for review by Director of HR.

• Maintain accurate and timely data feeds to carriers and vendors.
• Monitor vendor performance and escalates issues to Director of HR as needed.
• Provide data, documentation, and analysis that support the Director of HR’s decision‑making with brokers, carriers, and TPAs.
• Track service issues, trends, and associate feedback to inform Director of HR‑led vendor discussions.
• Support RFPs, renewals, and plan design evaluations by preparing data and operational insights.

• Develop clear, user‑friendly benefits materials, guides and FAQs.
• Facilitate benefits education sessions and new‑hire orientations.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve associate understanding of benefits and maximization of their utilization.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with HR team members to ensure accurate data flow and seamless process flow with internal HR procedures.
  • Provide insights that support broader total rewards initiatives led by Director of HR.
  • Participate in HR systems and process improvement projects.
  • Crosstrain on other HR team functions to provide backup/support as needed.
• Perform all duties in a manner that follows, demonstrates, and promotes Etac company values and elements.
• Maintain a safe, neat, and orderly work environment.
• Report to work as scheduled, on time, and able to work entire work schedule.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Effective planning and priority setting.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and present insights clearly.
• Professional and collaborative mindset when working with internal and external partners.
• High level of attention to detail and record keeping.
• Intermediate computer proficiency and technical aptitude in Microsoft programs, HRIS, and benefits databases (with Advanced Excel skills to include pivot tables, XLOOKUP & formulas).
• Solid understanding of all federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements affecting associate benefit programs. Knowledge of benefits contract language.
• Possess excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly adaptable and responsive to changing business needs.
• Ability to work…