Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. (MHIA) is looking for a Lead Benefits Analyst to join our team. This is a hybrid role based out of our Houston, TX Office.
ABOUT MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AMERICA, INC. (MHIA):
For over 130 years Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group’s innovative and integrated solutions have demonstrated our commitment to creating a positive social impact around the globe. Our range of products and services are tailored to meet our customers’ evolving needs across the commercial aviation, energy, transportation and infrastructure, machinery, defense and space systems sectors.
Our culture embraces diversity and cooperation, and we promote a healthy balance of professional and personal development, ensuring that your ideas and expertise are valued and respected.
SCOPE:
The Lead Benefits Analyst is responsible for evaluating, administering, and supporting the Retirement and Health & Welfare programs for MHIA and its affiliates. This role ensures compliance with applicable regulations, researches a variety of benefit options, and recommends enhancements to improve existing programs. Key responsibilities include administering defined contribution plans such as 401(k) and non-qualified plans, serving as an escalation point for Health & Welfare program issues, and managing relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure a responsive, service-oriented approach. Additionally, the role involves mentoring and guiding junior benefits analysts to support their professional development and promote consistency in service delivery.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in managing employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plans.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits.
- Research and evaluate various benefit options; recommend enhancements to existing programs.
- Conduct in-depth data analysis to identify trends, draw conclusions, and determine cause-and-effect relationships to resolve complex issues.
- Collaborate closely with HR, HRIS, payroll, finance, and external vendors to ensure seamless benefits administration.
- Establish and maintain strong internal audits and controls, emphasizing the accuracy, security, and integrity of retirement and benefits-related data.
- Partner with internal and external auditors during audits to ensure compliance and timely resolution of findings.
- Prepare and maintain accurate benefits-related reports and documentation.
- Develop and implement communication and educational materials to support employee understanding of benefits programs.
- Respond to employee inquiries and issues related to benefits, coordinating timely and effective resolutions.
- Collaborate with the legal department and third-party administrators (TPAs) to review and update 401(k) and leave policies in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Provide the annual 401(k) census and conduct compliance testing for 401(k) providers.
- Coordinate the annual 401(k) plan audit with external auditors, ensuring all requested documentation is provided.
- Manage employee retirement plan inquiries, including account balances, vesting, enrollment, eligibility, distributions, and statements.
- Mentor and support junior benefits analysts to promote professional development and consistency in service delivery.
- This list of responsibilities is not all-inclusive, and an employee may be required to perform other relevant duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in benefits administration
- Any special skills/training/certifications:
- A solid understanding of domestic Health & Welfare, retirement (defined contribution and defined benefit), STD/LTD/FMLA, and well-being benefits/programs.
- Understanding compliance reporting requirements such as COBRA, HIPAA, IRS (Section 125) Flexible Spending Account Programs, 401(k) Audit, 5500s, etc.
- Experience working collaboratively with benefits vendors and third-party administrators.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Familiarity with benefits, administration systems and software.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Diligence and strong organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Relevant Benefits Certifications: CBP, CCP
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Travel: Up to 10%
- Weekend/late night work if applicable: Occasionally.
- Lifting/physical requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
Why Should You Apply?
- Excellent Wellness Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision & 401K Matching)
- Company-provided STD and LTD
- Parental Leave
- Company-Provided Life Insurance and AD&D
- Paid time off: vacation, sick leave (granted at the beginning of the year).
- 15 holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Behavioral health support
Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external ( https://mhicareers.com/) career sites.
MHIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer actively seeking to diversify the workforce and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. Therefore, all qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
#LI-Onsite