POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing all aspects of the Company’s health and welfare plans and retirement plans including deferred compensation, defined contribution, and defined benefit plans. Responsible for administration of employee benefits in all company operations. As needed, provides special guidance and assistance to all locations on various employee benefit plans. Develops cost controls to ensure maximum coverage at the least possible cost to company and employee.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop employee benefit standard operating procedures for employee benefit functions.
- Work with HR Manager to coordinate cross training of members on the HR team to foster understanding, develop knowledge and utilization of employee benefits offerings including legacy pension plans.
- Manage all aspects of employee benefits programs including health and welfare, wellness program, 401(k) retirement plan (Qualified), pension, flex plans, and deferred compensation plans (non-Qualified).
- Analyze benefits costs and policies to reflect trends and maintain current with legal requirements; work closely with insurance broker to prepare budgets, review coverages, set stop loss premiums, etc.
- Work with HR Manager, counsel and consultants to interpret plan documents, draft plan documents and summary plan descriptions.
- Work with HR Manager to effectively manage the annual ERISA audit of defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
- Prepare reporting for IRS and Department of Labor, prepare supporting forms and documentation for proper operation and administration of employee benefits plans, including 401(k) plans, deferred compensation plan, annuity plans and legacy defined benefit pension plans.
- Work with HR Manager to gather and analyze relevant data and assist with the quarterly Employee Benefits Committee meeting.
- Ensure company stays apprised of and in compliance with provisions of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Stay current on legislation and implications for benefit plans. Supervise preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies.
- Oversee and administer leave requests and accommodations requiring specialized attention, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local leave laws, and short-term or long-term disability plans.
- Liaise with sister business unit and coordinate responsibilities for shared programs, including health and welfare and retirement plans.
- Resolve complex issues that arise in retirement/pension plan management.
- Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
- Lead and coordinate open enrollment: renewal, planning, communication, follow-up and reporting.
- Liaise with HRIS department to ensure proper functioning of benefits integration feeds and resolution of errors.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum of three years’ experience in employee benefits programs.
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline.
- HRIS software skill proficiency preferred (Workday).
- Hands on knowledge of ERISA audits (5500).
- Working knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, PPACA and HIPAA regulations.
- Microsoft Excel proficiency: knowledge of lookup and search formulas, pivot tables, etc.
- Exceptional organizational, research, writing, leadership business and client relationship skills.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision and high attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate and achieve consensus within diverse business groups.
- Possess strong team management skills and ability to lead by example in a constantly changing and variable environment.
- Bilingual (English & Spanish) preferred.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
- Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment
- Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal
- Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment during normal workday
- Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties
This position requires satisfactory passing of a drug test in accordance with Florida Statute § 440.102.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Chiquita Brands
With a workforce on five continents, our employees possess diverse skills, education, talents and interests.Our people provide the expertise and enthusiasm —Chiquita provides big opportunities. Together , we're one of the world's best-known and most-loved brands.
At Chiquita, we take great pride in having a flat organizational structure in which our employees drive our business with unmatched entrepreneurial spirit. When you work at Chiquita, you’re an important part of our global effort to improve the world’s nutrition with healthy, fresh foods. We’re driven by passion and guided by our core values of Integrity, Respect, Opportunity and Responsibility.
Our leadership is accessible for their expertise and support, but it is our employees who drive our business. As a result of the high level of responsibility and expectations put on employees at all levels, Chiquita employees are passionate about their work. They enjoy collaborating with other people around the globe on initiatives that directly impact our products, our brand and our company.
Company Website: www.chiquita.com
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