HR Generalist – Benefits & Compliance

at  Granite City Electric

GRANITE CITY ELECTRIC SUPPLY IS THE AREA’S PREMIER ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR SERVING ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AS WELL AS RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS FOR 100 YEARS. WITH 30 BRANCHES COVERING MASSACHUSETTS, NEW YORK, RHODE ISLAND, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, AND CONNECTICUT, WE ARE THE LARGEST REGIONAL INDEPENDENT ELECTRICAL SUPPLY COMPANY AND THE OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR OF ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES TO THE BOSTON RED SOX.

The HR Generalist – Benefits & Compliance person reports to the Vice President Human Resources. The position is responsible for the administration of employee benefits as well as having a well-rounded background and solid competency as an HR Generalist (including 401k, workers compensation, FMLA, leaves of absence, EEO-1 reporting, employee conflict resolution and government compliance). They should be well versed in handling confidential correspondence and possess the ability to exercise a high degree of discretion in handling employee issues. The position requires a good sense of relationship building, initiative, common sense, verbal & written communication skills.

Essential Functions:

• Administers employee benefits programs such as 401k retirement savings plans; major medical plans; dental plans; term life and AD&D insurance plans; temporary disability programs; flexible spending/HSA accounts, and any other type of benefit programs.
• Reviews weekly, multi-state payroll (including benefit and 401k deductions, bonuses/commissions, fringe benefits and wage garnishments).
• Evaluates and compares existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information. Analyzes results and develops specific recommendations for review by management.
• Develops census data and solicits insurance companies for quotations. Evaluates quotations and makes recommendations to management.
• Oversees the communication plan for benefit open enrollment and driving interest in existing plans.
• Prepares and executes benefit documentation such as original and amended plan summarys, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Ensures prompt and accurate compliance.
• Handles benefit inquiries and complaints to facilitate proper and complete solutions.
• Assures company compliance with provisions of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
• Review and update employee handbook as needed with all policy changes.
• Employee relations and conflict resolution.
• Provide guidance concerning HR policies, and all aspects of employment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• BA/BS degree in Business, HR Management or related field of study.
• Society of Human Resource Management Professional Accreditation Designation (PHR or SPHR) preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of HR benefits experience.
• Equivalent education or experience may be substituted for any of the above.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Working knowledge and proficiency in Human Resource Management principles and labor law, including ERISA, benefit plan structures, wage and hour law, and all other employment aspects.
• Active membership in Society or Human Resource Management (SHRM) or local equivalent; continual efforts to remain active in your pursuit of current trends, changes in laws, regulations and statutes affecting the HR function.
• Intermediate skill level of MS Word, Excel, Power Point; able to learn HRIS / UKG software programs.
• Strong verbal, written & presentation skills, ability to communicate clearly with both internal & external customers.
• Proven ability to interact successfully with all levels of the organization.
• Must possess a high degree of organizational skill with ability to be highly detail oriented.
• Ability to present self and GCE in a professional manner in all customer communications and actions.
• Solid time management skills with ability to prioritize, organize and successfully balance multiple tasks and requests.
• Self starter; able to work with minimal direction in a high-pressure environment.
• The ability to maintain confidential information is critical to the success of this position.
• Positive attitude, morale booster, ability to influence others in a positive manner.
• Proven team player with corporate & remote office locations.
• Adaptability / flexibility / willingness to change & adjust with business conditions.
• Have a keen interest in ongoing professional development.
• Coachable & actively participates in coaching process.
  Supervisory Responsibilities:
  None

• Administers employee benefits programs such as 401k retirement savings plans; major medical plans; dental plans; term life and AD&D insurance plans; temporary disability programs; flexible spending/HSA accounts, and any other type of benefit programs.
• Reviews weekly, multi-state payroll (including benefit and 401k deductions, bonuses/commissions, fringe benefits and wage garnishments).
• Evaluates and compares existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information. Analyzes results and develops specific recommendations for review by management.
• Develops census data and solicits insurance companies for quotations. Evaluates quotations and makes recommendations to management.
• Oversees the communication plan for benefit open enrollment and driving interest in existing plans.
• Prepares and executes benefit documentation such as original and amended plan summarys, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Ensures prompt and accurate compliance.
• Handles benefit inquiries and complaints to facilitate proper and complete solutions.
• Assures company compliance with provisions of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
• Review and update employee handbook as needed with all policy changes.
• Employee relations and conflict resolution.
• Provide guidance concerning HR policies, and all aspects of employment