Benefits Specialist

JOB SUMMARY The Operations & Benefits Specialist is an exempt-level professional responsible for overseeing and administering key Human Resources operational processes, including leave management, benefits administration support, HRIS data governance, and employee services. The role exercises independent judgment in interpreting policies, managing complex leave cases, ensuring compliance with employment regulations, and maintaining data integrity across HR systems. This role partners closely with employees, managers, carriers, payroll, and HR leadership to deliver a consistent, compliant, and high-quality employee experience. In addition, the role leads day-to-day HR operational workflows, supports employee engagement initiatives, and provides analytical and administrative support across Human Resources for all client groups which include but are not limited to corporate, commercial, retail, and supply chain. LOCATION: Rochester, NY DEPARTMENT: Talent STATUS: Full Time JOB TYPE: Exempt SCHEDULE: Hybrid ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIESLeave Management, Benefits & Compliance Serve as the primary administrator for employee leave programs, including FMLA, Workers' Compensation, STD, LTD, PFL, and parental leaves, applying judgment to complex or non-routine cases. Interpret leave policies, applicable laws, and carrier requirements; advise employees and managers on eligibility, timelines, and compliance obligations. Oversee submission, tracking, and resolution of leave and benefits-related documentation with carriers and third-party administrators. Partner with Guardian and insurance carriers to monitor claims, resolve escalations, and ensure timely and accurate processing. Monitor accommodation requests and return-to-work determinations, applying ADA and HIPAA guidelines. Maintain secure medical and leave records and ensure compliance with confidentiality and regulatory standards. Assist with Open Enrollment preparation and help employees with elections in ADP and with wellness incentive program. HR Operations & HRIS Governance Independently manage and oversee HRIS transactions, including onboarding, job changes, compensation updates, and terminations. Review and validate HRIS data for accuracy; run audits and cross-check reports to identify and correct discrepancies. Track pending HR actions, ensure timely execution, and maintain accurate employee records. Partner with Payroll and Benefits to resolve discrepancies related to pay, deductions, and benefit eligibility. Employee Services & Advisory Support Serve as a primary point of contact for employee inquiries related to benefits, payroll, leave, and employment status, applying judgment to resolve issues or escalate as appropriate. Provide guidance to employees on personal profile updates, benefits elections, and HR processes. Identify recurring issues and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience. Engagement, Reporting & HR Support Support and coordinate employee engagement initiatives and HR programs in partnership with HR leadership. Provide reporting, analytics, and operational insights to support workforce planning and compliance. Support other HR initiatives and projects as needed, including policy implementation and change management. Actively support a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree preferred. PHR or CEBS Certifications a plus 3+ years of experience in HR Operations, Benefits Administration, Leave Management, or Employee Services. Experience applying employment laws and regulations in practical scenarios. Hands-on experience with HRIS systems; ADP preferred. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus PERKS Generous Benefits with options to fit your life Blue4U Discounts Retirement Options with employer contributions 10 paid holidays per year Flexible scheduling Generous paid time off Technology reimbursement options Culture of pride and community involvement And of course, beer! In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position is $62,700 - 94,100/year, not including benefits or potential bonuses. If you are hired at FIFCO USA, your base salary will be determined based on factors such as individual skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. In addition, we also believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to enable future & continued salary growth. We also offer a generous benefits package, including health insurance! Drug Testing Statement: After a conditional offer of employment, a covered employer may require job applicant to submit a drug test. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetics, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The Company participates in E-Verify. Please see the attached link e to the federal government's notice on E-Verify here. ALERT: Fraudulent Online Employment Scams Always beware of online scams involving job offers! FIFCO USA does not make employment offers via social media or private messaging. Unfortunately, scammers have tried to collect and steal personal and confidential data by impersonating company employees. To protect yourself, never share your personal information through an insecure source online. FIFCO USA will never request any form of payment or payment information during the employment process. For more information on this topic and helpful fraud prevention tips, please visit the FBI website at fbi.gov

Created: 2026-03-10