Benefits Administrator in Atlanta, Georgia at GardenCore

The GardenCore Benefits Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs, ensuring accurate enrollment, compliance, vendor coordination, and exceptional employee support. This role serves as a key resource for employees regarding health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave administration, and other company-sponsored benefits. The Benefits Administrator works closely with the HR Operations & Systems Manager and third-party vendors to deliver an efficient and compliant benefits experience.

This position will work onsite in Atlanta, GA in the Peachtree Corners area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and other voluntary benefits.
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations accurately and timely.
• Maintain benefit records within HRIS and benefits administration platforms.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure data integrity and accurate payroll deductions.
• Coordinate and support annual Open Enrollment activities, employee communications, and system testing.
• Monitor new hire and newly eligible employee enrollment activity to ensure timely enrollment completion.
• Proactively communicate enrollment deadlines and send reminders to employees and managers to prevent missed enrollment windows.
• Review and process National Medical Support Notices and coordinate required benefit enrollments in accordance with applicable regulations.

Employee Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries.
• Educate employees on plan options, eligibility requirements, and enrollment procedures.
• Assist employees with claim issues and liaise with benefit vendors to resolve concerns.
• Provide guidance on qualifying life events, leave programs, and benefits-related processes.

Compliance & Reporting

• Support compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits administration.
• Maintain employee benefit records in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Assist with annual audits, reporting, and compliance activities.
• Support ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, and other benefits-related requirements.

Vendor & HR Systems Management

• Partner with third-party vendors and brokers to ensure smooth administration of benefit programs.
• Assist with benefit file feeds, integrations, testing, and issue resolution.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefits processes and employee experience.
• Support HR systems updates related to benefits administration.
• Review, reconcile, and process carrier invoices to ensure accurate billing and timely payment.
• Support benefits system implementations, enhancements, testing, and ongoing process improvements.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 2-5 years of benefits administration or HR operations experience.
• Experience working with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms.
• Experience supporting Open Enrollment and employee benefits programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of employee benefits administration and applicable regulations.
• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Strong customer service and employee relations skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with HRIS systems, preferably Paylocity.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based work environment.
• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Compensation

• Hourly pay rate of $26.44 - $33.65 per hour
• Paid Time Off - 104 hours per calendar year (pro-rated in first year)
• 401k Plan
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D benefits
• Short Term and Long Term Disability benefits
• Nine paid Holidays per year
• Opportunity for annual bonus

What GardenCore Offers You

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About GardenCore

GardenCore is a leading U.S. manufacturer of lawn and garden consumables, offering a broad portfolio of mulch, soil, stone, and lime products. The Company has deep, long-standing partnerships with major home improvement retailers and garden centers, and delivers consistent, high-quality execution across large-scale private label and branded programs. The Company has over 1,400 employees and operates 58 manufacturing facilities across the United States.

GardenCore is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability

GardenCore is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

AI tools may be used in certain stages of the employment lifecycle, such as candidate review; however, all final employment decisions will be made by a person.