Senior Retirement Benefit Spec

Location: Westfield Center, OH (hybrid work option)

BUILD YOUR FUTURE, WHILE PROTECTING THEIRS.

You will be challenged. Rewarded. And valued for your unique experience, background and perspective. 
Join a team where hard work pays off and original thinking is celebrated. As you build your future at Westfield, you will quickly learn that protecting our customer’s future is at the heart of what we do. We deliver on our promise to help restore lives and rebuild businesses when the unexpected happens. Building relationships has been a part of our culture since 1848. 

Be a part of a team that recognizes and appreciates those who take initiative, seek opportunity and strive for innovation in a changing world.

Senior Retirement Benefits Specialist Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, the Senior Retirement Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration of group retirement benefit plans. This role monitors the effectiveness of existing group retirement benefit plans through critical evaluation of data trend analysis as well as issue identification and resolution. Maintains data integrity for retirement benefit plans and works closely with HRMS Support, IT and Finance departments to ensure accuracy. Ensures group retirement benefit plans remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations. Serves as the primary contact for retirement benefits plans.

Essential Functions (primary functions and/or reasons the job exists in order of importance)

• Utilizes a thorough understanding and knowledge to administer group retirement benefit plans in accordance with ERISA laws.

  • Collects/reviews data for nondiscrimination testing.

  • Completes the annual valuation process.

  • Prepares and ensures distribution of plan documents and required notices (e.g. Annual Funding Notice, SPD, SMM, SAR, 404(a)-5 notice).

• Monitors the effectiveness of existing group retirement benefit plans through critical evaluation of data trend analysis as well as issue identification and resolution.

• Maintains data integrity for retirement benefit plans and works closely with HRMS Support, IT and Finance departments to ensure accuracy.

  • Coordinates exchange of information from PeopleSoft HRMS to retirement plan systems.

  • Critically evaluates data in retirement plan systems for accuracy, addresses exceptions and recommends corrective action, if necessary.

  • Maintains retiree and participant retirement plan files.

  • Enters all employee changes, benefit elections, service calculations in retirement plan systems, as required.

  • Provides accurate and timely information to HR Assist for participants commencing their pension benefit. Verifies the validity of election forms prior to processing pension payments.

• Ensures group retirement benefit plans remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Assists with annual Department of Labor (DOL) reporting and preparation of Form 5500.

  • Assists with financial statement and process audits.

• Serves as the primary contact for retirement benefits plans.

  • Provides customer service to participants (phone, e-mail, and in-person) for active employees and retirees, as required.

  • Responds professionally to all customer service issues surrounding group retirement benefit plans.

  • Responds to HR Assist tickets on a timely basis.

  • Processes court orders, as required.

• Responsible for planning, facilitation, administration and reporting of annual projects (e.g. Total Rewards Statement).

• Participates in special projects related to group retirement benefit plan design, development of metrics/scorecards, and vendor selection, as required.

• Responsible for providing educational opportunities offered to participants; develops course structure, prepares materials for distribution and facilitates sessions.

• Ensures benefit related processes and procedures are documented and up-to-date, seeks process improvement, where applicable, cross-trains with other benefit team members, as needed.

• Travels occasionally in order to participate in special assignments, training, and/or travel between office locations.

Desired Qualifications/Experience/Certification/Education (in order of importance)

• 5+ years of retirement benefits administration experience.

• 2+ years experience applying advanced concepts to compliance functions.

• Experience working with a high degree of accuracy where attention to detail, critical thinking, problem solving, research and organizational skills are utilized.

• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills resulting in the ability to interact with all levels of the company.

• Strong report writing, analysis and reconciliation experience.

• Advanced experience with Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word, and Excel or transferable software packages. PeopleSoft HRMS or similar HRMS/HRIS experience is a plus. Experience with pension administration software is a plus.

• Experience maintaining a high degree of customer service focus gained through previous work experiences.

• Experience working well under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities.

• Ability to work independently and lead others during projects with a demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a project-driven, team-oriented environment.

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience.

• Professional certification in benefits/accounting/finance.

• Valid driver’s license and a driving record that conforms to company standards.

 

Physical Requirements (specific to the role)

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work effectively in an office environment for 40+ hours per week (including sitting, standing and working on a computer for extended periods of time).

• Ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative work environment utilizing various technologies such as: telephone, computer, web, voice, teleconferencing, e-mail, etc.

• Ability to travel as required.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.

Westfield offers a Total Rewards program that focuses on compensation, benefits and wellness, and includes perks like 401(k), pension plan, annual incentive, education reimbursement, flex-time, onsite fitness center and casual dress. Work-life balance, recognition, and learning and career development are all part of a rewarding career with Westfield.

To learn more about Westfield and the opportunities available, please visit us at westfieldinsurance.com.

#LI-PB1 

We are an equal opportunity employer/minority/female/disability/protected veteran.