[Hiring] Benefits Specialist @Ashland Inc.

Role Description

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Benefits Specialist to join our amazing team. This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the Human Resources function. This position will report to US Benefits Manager. This is a remote role.

• Administers/Coordinates absence programs including STD/LTD, statutory plans and FMLA with absence vendor, payroll and benefits, and eligibility/enrollment vendor. Facilitates leave communication between employee, manager and vendor.
• Answers complex retiree health, welfare and savings plan questions with employees and providers.
• Assists with Annual Enrollment including retirees and COBRA – reviews rates, communication materials, answers escalated questions, etc.
• Prepares, generates and analyzes reports relating to benefits, leaves of absence and other ad hoc reports as needed.
• Processes active and retiree life Insurance claims (including executive life) in coordination with carriers and the eligibility/enrollment vendor.
• Tracks retiree medical and life insurance eligibility for select union populations and coordinates with Benefits eligibility/enrollment vendor.
• Assists with review of SPDs and benefit communication materials.
• Participates in various DB and DC audits.
• Performs weekly Savings Plan and HSA funding, as well as quarterly HSA match calculations.
• Processes various benefit invoices including complex self-billed invoices.
• Assists with miscellaneous benefit projects and audits as needed.
• Processes Mexico medical reimbursements.
• Answers assigned HRconnect cases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational development, business, finance or related experience is required.
• 5 years of experience working with U.S. Benefits including absence administration. Experience administering retiree benefits would be a plus.
• Requires knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, DOL and IRS regulations and state laws.
• Strong knowledge in U.S. Benefits.
• Strong customer facing experience.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate at various levels of the organization to a wide variety of audiences.
• Broad knowledge of Human Resources principles and practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good problem-solving skills, with understanding of how absence impacts all facets of benefits.
• Results orientation: consistently delivers on commitments, takes initiative, has a bias toward action and has a sense of urgency.
• Must have strong Word, PowerPoint and Excel skills, including pivot tables, view look up.
• Comfortable developing and using approved AI solutions such as Microsoft Copilot to streamline and simplify work.

Requirements

• The HR Specialist, Benefits is a critical role in the effective and successful administration of Ashland’s Benefits (active and retirees).
• The role serves as a trusted guide and advocate for employees navigating complex benefits and leave of absence programs by providing personalized support and clear communication.
• This role will focus on administering leave of absence for union locations, completing weekly 401k and HSA funding, administering/coordinating retiree medical, life insurance and pension programs and answering complex employee and retiree questions.
• The position will assist the US Benefits Manager and Sr. Manager Global Benefits with annual open enrollment, review of plan documents, communications and other special projects.
• This is a good position for someone who seeks a broad range of benefits administration responsibilities while working alongside a collaborative benefits team.

Benefits

• Ashland has a history of attracting the best people and keeping them.
• Industry competitive salary and benefits.
• Pay-for-performance incentive plans.
• A diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued.
• Opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization.

Company Description

Ashland LLC. (NYSE: ASH) provides the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care and pharmaceutical.

At Ashland our vision is to be a leading, global specialty chemicals company whose inspired and engaged employees add value to all we touch.

Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.