Benefits Operations Analyst
Who are we? Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries. People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden. What is the role? We are seeking a detail-oriented Benefits Operations Analyst, remotely located within the U.S. The preferred location is based in the St. Louis, MO area. Role Summary The Benefits Operations Analyst supports the day-to-day administration, data integrity, and operational effectiveness of the organization’s health, welfare, and retirement programs. This role connects HR strategy to execution by ensuring benefit plans are administered accurately, vendors and service partners meet performance expectations, and employees receive timely, high-quality support. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, a working knowledge of benefits compliance, and the ability to manage and interpret complex data. What will you be doing? Respond to employee benefit inquiries submitted to the shared benefits mailbox, ensuring timely, accurate resolutions, proper documentation, and escalation of complex cases as needed. Ensure all plans comply with federal and state regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and the ACA. Assist in the preparation of annual filings (Form 5500), non-discrimination testing, and Summary Annual Reports (SAR). Perform regular data audits between the HRIS (Workday) and carrier systems to ensure 100% accuracy in enrollments. Manage the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) file process, troubleshooting errors and working with IT/Vendors to resolve feed issues. Facilitate monthly billing reconciliation and premium payments for all benefit providers. Maintain strong working relationships with third-party administrators (TPAs), brokers, and insurance carriers. Monitor vendor performance against Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Participate in vendor implementation or transition projects as needed. Review and revise internal benefits administration processes to streamline workflows, strengthen controls, and maximize operational efficiency. What are we looking for? Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered. Minimum of 2 years’ experience in benefits administration Strong knowledge of employee benefits laws and regulations. Proficiency with Workday HRIS and benefits administration systems. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data validation, and basic formulas). Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. Excellent problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Experience with vendor management and contract negotiation preferred
Compensation and Benefits
The expected base salary range for this role is $75,000-95,000; actual base salary will be determined based on factors including candidate experience and work location. This role is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus. Howden also offers a variety of benefits and programs, subject to eligibility, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts 401(k) retirement plan Flexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leave Life and Disability insurance Our sustainability promise We’re on a life-long journey to become an ever-more sustainable group. It's a commitment to taking care of our people and the world we live in, to doing good business, and to making a positive impact wherever we can. Our governance processes, company policies, and review systems are all geared towards our goal of making a positive impact in the world. You can read more about our sustainability work here. What do we offer in return? A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us: Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond Reasonable adjustments We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*. If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require. *Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more. Permanent Apply To This Job