Sr. Benefits Analyst (Finance)

Position Description

At Kinder Morgan, we're committed to delivering energy to improve lives and create a better world. The energy we transport helps power homes and businesses and fuels cars and airplanes from coast to coast - a feat that would not be possible without our extraordinary people. Our culture is centered on our values of integrity, accountability, safety and excellence. We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace and offer benefits that help our employees grow personally and professionally. Kinder Morgan is a market leader in North American energy infrastructure with an unparalleled, large footprint of diversified and strategically located assets including an expansive network of natural gas and liquid pipelines, terminals, and CO2 and drilling operations. Help shape the present and future of North America's energy infrastructure with a career at Kinder Morgan.

If you are a benefits professional looking for an exciting new role, Kinder Morgan has a fantastic opportunity for you! As a Senior Benefits Analyst reporting to the Manager of Benefits, you will be responsible for providing analytical and project management support for various health and welfare and wellness program initiatives. You will perform a variety of benefits-related activities, including but not limited to: program analysis, assisting with program design, implementation and communication, as well as regulatory compliance and education. Responsibilities also include partnering with internal team members and third-party vendors to manage the completion of the day-to-day processing tasks. You will be eligible for a hybrid schedule with Monday through Wednesday in Kinder Morgan's downtown Houston office and Thursday and Friday being remote-work days. We look forward to seeing your application!

• Oversee the implementation and administration of Kinder Morgan's benefit programs including but not limited to Health, Dental, Vision, Basic Life, Supplemental Life, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Travel and Accident insurance and Flexible Spending Account as assigned;
• Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs. Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results. Review trends and assist with future benefits designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management;
• Track vendor performance metrics, manage issues and opportunities, and escalate as necessary. Research vendors to identify those that present the best value and conduct preliminary pricing negotiations;
• Monitor administrative costs of benefits programs and recommend cost containment strategies, including alternative methods for administration and funding. Assist in the monitoring, verifying and reconciling of budgeted funds;
• Lead existing and new projects related to all Health & Welfare plans, including implementing new vendor relationships, benefit programs and plan requirements;
• Assist in the design and management of Wellness Programs including the coordination and execution of education and awareness campaigns;
• Take ownership for the resolution of complex employee inquiries and questions ensuring timely, accurate and value add responses;
• Develop communications to facilitate clear understanding of benefits plan provisions to ensure employees take full advantage of Kinder Morgan's various company-sponsored benefits;
• Assist with the preparation and execution, in concert with legal consultation, benefits documentation such as original and amended plan documents, SBCs, SPDs, benefit agreements, and insurance policies;
• Assure regulatory and policy compliance for all programs, to include supporting audits, discrimination testing, notifications, plan amendments, and tax applicable filings. Maintain awareness of benefit-related laws such as ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, etc.;
• Assist with coordinating annual enrollment activities, including implementing plan changes and communications;
• Develop key insights on current employee benefits processes and develop process improvements and standard methodologies;
• Provide analytical support with special projects as assigned;
• Represent Benefits team in various initiatives across the HR organization;
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.

Position Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in benefits administration
• Knowledge of health & welfare plans, design, and financial drivers.
• Working knowledge of health and group plans and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, PPACA, ACA
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to identify and resolve complex issues
• Attention to detail and strong problem solving skills, including logical thought processes, with ability to resolve complex issues
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service
• Ability to oversee projects and processes with many elements from beginning to end
• Ability to interface and communicate effectively in a clear concise manner with internal and external customers, managers and leadership, vendors, consultants, legal
• Excellent and creative writing skills necessary to develop presentations and communications
• Possess authentic listening skills
• Demonstrated Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft applications, including but not be limited to: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, for the purpose of word processing, developing and analyzing data on spreadsheets, and information retrieval
• Self-motivated with the ability to successfully and simultaneously manage multiple tasks, meet multiple deadlines and work with limited direct supervision
• Ability to organize, schedule and prioritize departmental and individual work to meet various schedules and objectives, reprioritize on short notice
• Ability to work with all levels of internal and external personnel, and maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to identify, and regularly meet, expectations in an employee/employer relationship
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisor(s), focus attention on details, follow work rules and adhere to established work schedules
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment
• Position level will be determined based on the successful candidates skills and qualifications

Preferred:

• MBA or other related Master's degree
• SHRM-CP/PHR or CEBS certification
• Experience working with union benefit plans
• Experience with Lawson financial software, particularly the G/L and HR modules

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.