Benefits Coordinator

Kendal Floral/Florexpo LLC, the largest importer of fresh-cut floral products in the western United States, seeks a Benefits Coordinator for its location in Carlsbad, CA. The Benefits Coordinator is responsible for administering the company's employee benefits programs and providing exceptional customer service to employees regarding benefit plans. This position manages benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations; coordinates with insurance carriers, brokers, payroll, and third-party administrators; maintains accurate benefit records; and ensures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

The Benefits Coordinator works closely with Human Resources and Payroll to ensure timely and accurate administration of all employee benefit programs.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer various employee benefits programs, such as group health, flexible spending accounts, dental and vision, short term and long disability, life insurance, 401(k), COBRA administration, employee assistance program, and wellness program.
• Oversee new hire benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure timely eligibility determinations and enrollment processing.
• Explain benefit plan provisions, eligibility requirements, and enrollment procedures of self-enrollment system.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries. 
• Assist employees with benefit claim issues by coordinating with insurance carriers and vendors. 
• Ensure timely transmission of enrollment information to insurance carriers and third-party administrators.
• Reviews and reconciles monthly premium invoices for all group insurance policies for all locations.
• Resolve administrative problems with the carrier representatives.
• Ensure distribution of required employee notices. 
• Coordinate benefit deductions with Payroll.
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment activities. 
• Prepare enrollment materials and employee communications. 
• Assist employees with benefit selections during Open Enrollment.
• Protect the confidentiality of employees and benefit information.
• Assist HR manager in completing benefits reporting requirements.
• Conduct benefit audits to ensure benefits records in the HRIS are accurate.
• Recommend process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Coordinate implementation of new benefit plans and program enhancements.
• Maintain effective working relationships with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Occasional travel to company locations for benefit meetings or open enrollment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

You can become a part of our exciting company if you have:

• Associate's degree required, bachelor’s preferred.
• 2–5 years of benefits administration experience.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (ADP Workforce Now preferred).
• Knowledge of HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, and COBRA.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Detail oriented, resourceful, and organized.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to form and maintain positive relationships with employees and managers.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently.
• Able to work Monday to Friday and weekends during major floral holidays.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

PHISYCAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically. 
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds when handling filing boxes.