Sr. Benefits and Payroll Specialist

The Woodlands, Texas (US-TX) United States (US) 

Nexeo Plastics is a leading global thermoplastic resins distributor, representing quality products from world-class suppliers, and serving a diverse customer base across North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.  From material selection to supply chain and inventory solutions, we go beyond traditional logistics to provide value-added services across many industries, including automotive, healthcare, packaging, wire and cable, 3D printing and more.  Our people, our passion, our global reach, and our technology platform allow us to create unique ways to reduce complexity in your business, identify efficiencies, and unlock value for suppliers and customers.

Nexeo Plastics facilities are ISO 9001 certified. We diligently observe a commitment to quality in all of our practices and adhere to a defined quality policy.

Position Overview

**This is a hybrid role in The Woodlands, TX**

The Sr. Benefits and Payroll Specialist position is responsible for the administration, compliance and the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's life insurance, flexible spending plan, health savings account, leave management, retirement plans, etc.) for US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This position serves as the primary point of contact for benefit-related matters and works closely with employees, HR, payroll, benefit vendors, brokers, and internal leadership to ensure programs are administered accurately and effectively.

This role will also serve as a backup to payroll and should have working knowledge of payroll processes and ADP Workforce Now (WFN). The Senior Benefits & Payroll Specialist will support broader HR initiatives, projects, reporting, audits, and other HR responsibilities as business needs arise.

Benefits Administration – United States, Canada and Puerto Rico

• Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident, and death claims, QDROs, distributions, loans, and hardships
• COBRA administration:  notifications, enrollments, changes and terminations.
• Participate in the development and implementation of new benefits programs.
• Develop strong working relationships with plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to increase efficiency and improve employee experience.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
• Process vendor billings and conduct billing audits
• Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
• Collaborate with payroll to ensure appropriate benefit deductions.
• Review and reconcile benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies with vendors, payroll, and Finance.

Manage and administer Leaves of Absence Program

• Function as the subject matter expert and keep informed of applicable federal, state and local leave and related sick pay laws.
• Manage the leave administration process from employee’s initial notice through return to work.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders (Payroll, Leaders and Human Resources) on leave statuses, updates, work restrictions and return to work plans.

Point of Contact for benefits/leave related inquiries

• Function as the subject matter expert to advise and inform employees of the details of Nexeo Plastics’ benefit programs.
• Provide customer service support to internal and external customers by resolving benefit-related issues and responding in a timely manner.

Manage annual Open Enrollment rollout

• Prepare communication materials
• Coordinate and hold employee meetings
• Audit data

Compliance Reporting & Requirements

• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Monitors, interprets, and suggests compliance actions for evolving and new benefits legislation.

• Responsible for data necessary to complete government compliance activities (5500s, audits, etc.) employee mailings, vendor billings, and coordinating data collection. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and audits.
• Ensures processes and procedures are in place to capture and maintain consistent and accurate benefit related data. Assist with employee data auditing and reporting
• Required employee mailings

Participate on special projects & initiatives and other duties as assigned

Payroll Support & Backup

Serve as a trained backup for payroll processing as needed.

• Maintain working knowledge of ADP Workforce Now (WFN) payroll functionality and processes.
• Assist with reviewing payroll data for accuracy, including employee changes, earnings, deductions, benefit deductions, taxes, and other payroll-related information.
• Support payroll processing during absences, vacations, high-volume periods, or other business needs.
• Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, corrections, and research of payroll discrepancies.
• Partner with the Payroll team member to ensure benefit deductions and payroll records are accurate and aligned.
• Assist with employee payroll questions and research issues when needed.
• Maintain an understanding of payroll practices and compliance requirements.
• Support year-end payroll and benefit activities assigned.
• Assist with payroll reporting and special payroll projects as needed.

Minimum Requirements (Education, Experience & Skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, finance, or a related field.
• 5 years of progressive experience in a mid-to-senior level benefits , HR Operations, payroll or HR related function.
• Working knowledge of relevant policies and regulations for the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.
• Demonstrated basic knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA and FMLA to ensure compliance
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations in computing rates, premiums, and adjustments
• Experience in completing root cause analysis of system errors, ability to understand the way data flows, organizational structure in systems
• Working knowledge of payroll processes and practices
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN) strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of U.S. benefit regulations and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive employee information appropriately.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and ability to work with HR and payroll reports.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a broader HR team

Nexeo Plastics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  Additionally, Nexeo Plastics participates in the E-Verify program to ensure employment eligibility of newly hired employees where required.