Sr Benefits Analyst

About the role

Job Posting Title

About the role

Legal Entity

American Axle & Manufacturing Inc

Job Description Summary

Ensure that all associate benefit programs, including Health & Welfare and Retirement plans, are properly documented, administered, and delivered accurately and timely. Manage benefits records, plan data, and HRIS integrations to support eligibility, payroll deductions, compliance, reporting, and vendor administration. Maintain strong relationships with benefit providers, retirement plan administrators, carriers, and external partners to ensure effective plan operations and exceptional associate support.

About the role

• Administer Health & Welfare and Retirement benefit programs by maintaining associate databases; responding to associate inquiries; interpreting policies and procedures; researching issues; providing guidance; and maintaining strong vendor and provider relationships.
• Inform and guide associates on benefit matters regarding eligibility, enrollment, plan provisions, retirement programs, and available benefit offerings.
• Implement new benefit programs and enhancements to existing programs, including vendor selection and implementation activities, benefit systems configuration, integration setup, testing, documentation updates, benefit agreements, policies, and plan document maintenance.
• Manage associate benefits records and HRIS data to ensure accurate and timely transfer of information to carriers, retirement providers, vendors, and payroll systems.
• Oversee all benefit eligibility and integration files, including health and welfare vendors, retirement providers, and payroll interfaces. Research, resolve, and monitor errors and implement interface enhancements as needed.
• Ensure all benefit and retirement deduction files are processed accurately and timely in coordination with weekly and semi-monthly payroll cycles.
• Coordinate retirement plan administration activities, including 401(k) and pension plan processes, benefit distributions, regulatory filings, participant communications, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Administer day-to-day activities related to corporate wellness initiatives and incentive programs, partnering with external vendors, consultants, and carriers to support program success and associate engagement.
• Contribute to benefits administration strategy by identifying short- and long-range opportunities and challenges, recommending solutions, and implementing approved initiatives.
• Provide management reporting and analysis by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing benefits data, participation metrics, cost trends, compliance information, and program effectiveness.
• Participate in mergers, acquisitions, and organizational changes to ensure seamless benefits integration and administration.
• Support internal and external audits, compliance reviews, and reporting requirements for all benefit programs.
• Maintain current knowledge of benefits administration, retirement plan regulations, industry best practices, and emerging trends through professional development, benchmarking, and participation in relevant educational opportunities.
• Contribute to department success by supporting team initiatives, assisting colleagues, and taking on new assignments and responsibilities as needed.

Required Skills and Education

• 5-7 years of experience with HRIS systems, 401k programs, benefit administration platforms, payroll integrations, and vendor file feeds.
• Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related major.
• Strong knowledge of Health & Welfare and Retirement benefit plan administration.
• Knowledge of applicable benefits regulations and compliance requirements, including retirement plan regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong Microsoft Excel Skills.
• Effective communication and relationship management skills with associates, management, vendors, and external partners.
• Highly organized with strong project management and implementation capabilities.
• Ability to analyze benefit data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations.