Sr Benefits Specialist

"Republic Bank believes in the development and advancement of our associates. We offer the opportunity to learn all aspects of the company to prepare for future advancement. Come join our team for a career, not just a job!"

Grade 11

About Republic Bank

Republic Bank's values are built upon making an IMPACT for our clients, our associates and the communities we serve. (IMPACT stands for Innovate for the Future, Make it Easy, Provide Exceptional Service, Acknowledge & Celebrate Success, Commit to Caring and Thrive Together) The associates of Republic Bank are the key to our success as an organization and we value our associates. It's one of the reasons we've been named as one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky for ten years! For more information about the company, please visit www.republicbank.com.

POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
This role is primarily responsible for design, implementation, and administration of the bank's retirement, wellness and ancillary benefits. This includes managing program development and execution to ensure that the company provides benefits that attract, retain, and motivate associates while supporting the company's profitable growth vision. This position also acts as backup and a supporting role as needed for all other benefits programs. This role requires the ability to successfully multi-task and demands a high level of discretion and independent judgment.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
* Minimum of 6 years of experience in benefits function with strong technical understanding of benefits program design, management, and administration.
* Demonstrated ability to administer benefits and execute against long-term goals for development.
* Strong knowledge of benefit laws and regulations required.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required and experience with UKG Pro HRIS and EMB/PlanSource systems a plus.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Benefits Administration & Communication
* Independently administer associate retirement plan programs, including 401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and wellness benefits, including fitness center reimbursement, tobacco cessation program, telemedicine and tuition reimbursement.
* Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefits documentation, such as plan documents, summary plan descriptions, plan summaries, rate sheets and other required notices.
* Analyze data from plan reviews, trends and plan design to create wellness and benefit utilization programming.
* Prepare and coordinate benefit education and benefit awareness efforts, including communication, activities, campaigns and annual Total Compensation Statements.
* Develop creative communication strategy to engage associates utilizing a variety of media.
* Partner to conduct departmental and associate meetings for enrollment and benefit information as needed.
* Drive associate understanding and culture of well-being through development of effective communication tools and resources.
* Audit and reconcile related invoices. 40%
* Address Associate Benefits Inquiries
* Independently apply procedures, policy manuals, knowledge base, and other reference materials to assist in answering associate/manager inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
* Resolve escalated associate service issues as it relates to benefits and supporting programs.
* Ensure associates are properly enrolled in benefit plans and resolve system eligibility and service issues in a timely and courteous manner. 25%
* Measurement and Continuous Improvement
* Measure effectiveness of current benefit programs, including trend analysis and cost-control/risk assessment factors, and provide creative recommendations for on-going enhancements.
* Stay current on the latest benefits trends and makes recommendations to ensure the bank maintains a competitive edge.
* Engage in continual process improvement activities and projects while collaborating with Payroll, Recruiting, HRIS vendor and vendors.
* Proactively seek areas to automate benefit processes and implement innovative and strategic enhancements to our current benefits policies and programs.
* Participate in benefit surveys and benchmarking exercises, research potential benefit design and/or program changes and present recommendations and analysis to leadership. 15%
* Vendor Management and Compliance
* Serves as the day-to-day point of contact with related vendors to escalate issues, seek systemic resolution and maintain efficient working relationships.
* Oversee the necessary file interfaces between Republic and vendors to ensure proper data reporting to support administration and compliance.
* Review of vendor contracts and insurance policies. Instructs insurance carriers, trustees and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefits programs.
* Manage vendor relationships to drive benefit process efficiency and compliance resulting in overall associate satisfaction and fiscal responsibility.
* Collaborate with Broker to vet and integrate new benefits and vendors.
* Serves as a member of the Retirement Committee and is responsible for recording the minutes of all meetings.
* Ensure that all benefit plans are compliant with state/federal regulations, including audits. 15%
* Other Responsibilities
* Partner with Benefits team on open enrollment process and the implementation and testing of new plans with internal team.
* Partner, collaborate, and backup Benefits team to support other benefit plans and programs as needed. 5%
* Maintain a working knowledge of compliance requirements affecting your position and area of responsibilities and actively learn new regulations and assist in the implementation, if required.
* Model and foster behaviors that support the Bank's values and corporate culture creating an atmosphere of trust, cooperation, accountability, and dedication to the organization.
* Willingly perform all other duties and projects as assigned.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information with tact and discretion.
* Ability to work professionally with a variety of people and personalities.
* Strong oral and written communication skills.
* Ability to serve as a strategic partner, with sound technical and analytical skills, good judgment, and a strong operational and strategic focus.
* Ability to meet deadlines and handle potentially highly stressful situations.
* Ability to multi-task while adjusting to changing priorities.
* Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
* Must be self-motivated and able to work in a team environment.
* Requires a strong sense of urgency and ability to work independently.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the associate is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The associate frequently is required to stand or walk. The associate is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, and distance vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
* Travel between Republic Banking facilities may be required including occasional out of town travel.
* Flexible work schedule may include some evenings, weekends and/or overtime.
* Stay abreast of new developments, best practices, and statutory and regulatory changes.