Apply on Employer Site

Knife River Corporation · 1 day ago

HR Benefits Analyst II/III/IV

BISMARCK, ND 58503, USA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

2+ years exp

Knife River Corporation is one of the largest construction materials producers in the country, committed to a people-first approach. They are seeking an HR Benefits Analyst to deliver exceptional customer service while supporting the strategy and administration of benefits programs.

Building MaterialConstructionConsulting

Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Serve as the expert for region HR team members and serve as a resource for corporate team members and retirees, ensuring their benefit questions are answered

Assist in developing and managing benefit programs to ensure they meet organizational goals and compliance requirements

Coordinate benefits implementation, including systems updates, process improvements, and compliance procedures

Serve as a liaison with vendors to support plan administration and issue resolution

Conduct benefits research, including benchmarking, competitive analysis, and compliance review

Gather and analyze key plan data such as participation, utilization, and cost trends and provide insight to management based on the data

Support cost-reduction and efficiency initiatives through data analysis and recommendations

Track, monitor, and analyze claims, fees, premiums, reimbursements, costs, and related data; reconcile discrepancies in billing, enrollment, and plan details; interpret findings and prepare summary reports for management decision‑making

Identify and recommend process improvements, system enhancements, and cost‑control opportunities; collaborate with corporate accounting to ensure accurate financial tracking

Support senior benefits staff and management with comprehensive, in‑depth analysis and reporting

Coordinate, compile, and validate data for nondiscrimination and coverage testing, premium billing, plan design evaluations, compliance activities, and other regulatory requirements

Implement and update approved benefit and regulatory changes (e.g., HIPAA), including designing and streamlining systems, processes, and procedures

Assist with employee and retiree benefits communications

Draft, edit, and review Summary Annual Reports, Plan Documents, Summary Plan Descriptions, Form 5500 filings, retiree communications, and other corporate materials

Conduct analyses related to mergers, acquisitions, and plan integrations to support compliance, smooth transitions, and employee satisfaction

Respond promptly to benefits inquiries from employees, retirees, and HR partners, providing accurate and clear guidance

Assist in preparing and delivering benefits updates, program changes, and training sessions for employees and retirees

Serve as a subject‑matter expert for corporate and regional HR teams on existing benefit programs

Research, analyze, and report on benefit requests from senior analysts and management

Support benefits budget preparation and provide monthly variance analyses

Assist with evaluating renewals, plan changes, premium rates, and contract terms

Maintain strong systems knowledge, including tracking capabilities, report generation, and understanding plan design impacts

Manage premium billing, employee and retiree contributions, and payment processing

Develop and maintain project timelines to ensure timely completion of benefits initiatives

Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned

Qualification

Benefits program managementCompliance experienceStatistical analysisAdvanced Excel skillsHRIS system experienceCustomer service skillsCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skillsAttention to detail

Required

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, accounting, or a related field

Minimum of two years of comprehensive benefits experience, including health and welfare programs and qualified retirement plans

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, accounting, or a related field

Minimum of four years of benefits program management and compliance experience in health and welfare programs and qualified retirement plans

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, accounting, or a related field

Minimum of seven years of advanced experience in employee benefits program management, benefits accounting, and compliance experience across health and welfare plans and qualified retirement plans

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels and retirees

Excellent customer service skills and the ability to build trusted internal and external relationships while maintaining confidentiality

Working knowledge of statistical analysis, benefits design, and benefits‑related laws and regulations

Self‑motivated team player with strong interpersonal and facilitation skills

Proven analytical ability, including applying accounting principles to support benefit design, cost analysis, and funding recommendations

High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow directions and meet deadlines

Professional, courteous, and service‑oriented in all interactions

Ability to handle confidential information appropriately

Valid driver's license may be required