Benefits Specialist

Balsam International is looking for a Benefits Specialist who will report directly to the Senior Manager of Total Rewards and be responsible for the execution of day-to-day benefits administration. Key responsibilities include ensuring accurate and timely employee enrollments, overseeing leave and disability case management, facilitating payroll and vendor integrations, and producing high-quality communications and reporting to effectively advance Total Rewards programs and priorities. The role requires a proactive problem-solver who works independently to refine benefit processes and introduce new ideas that enhance the team member experience and support the business. 

What you’ll be doing:
Benefits Program Administration

• Manages the day-to-day administration of benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and voluntary benefits.
• Leads projects that streamline benefits and leave processes leveraging HRIS and technology.  
• Identifies recurring issues and implement solutions to improve accuracy, timeliness, and scalability. 

Leave and Disability Administration
Oversees the operations of leave administration, ensuring payroll is accurately updated, team members understand how to apply for disability benefits and federal protections, and providing a high-touch, guided experience for team members through the process. 

Medical Plan Management
Supports administration of our self-funded medical plan, including coordination with carriers, reconciliation, and team member communications 

Wellness Program Development and Execution
Supports the development and execution of our wellness program, including coordinating initiatives, tracking participation, and helping build engaging programs for team members 

Data Analysis and Insights

• Analyzes benefits utilization, leave patterns, vendor reporting, and cost data to surface insights and support decision-making.  
• Develops dashboards or recurring reporting to monitor program performance and support forecasting. 

Vendor Management & Optimization 
Evaluates vendor performance, identifies service gaps, and recommends improvements or alternative solutions to ensure high-quality service delivery 

Performs other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

What we’re looking for:

• 8-11 years proven experience supporting US-based teams with benefits needs, leaves, etc. Including experience managing a self-funded medical plan.
• HRIS proficiency 
• United States compliance understanding and experience 
• Exceptional attention to detail and organization 
• Strong follow-through and accountability 
• Professionalism and discretion with confidential information 
• Effective collaboration and communication 
• Expected to work more significant cross-over hours to support TA team – 9PM to 6AM Manila time   
• Strategic mindset, with the ability to identify gaps, recommend enhancements to benefit programs and processes, and contribute insights that elevate the overall Total Rewards Strategy 
• Experience with benefits in the Philippines, Ireland, and Canada is preferred

Location: The Benefits Specialist position is a remote working position for Balsam International Unlimited Philippine ROHQ in Manila. Team members in the Philippines are located within Metro Manila, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Rizal, and Tarlac areas only.

Our must-haves:

• Must attend occasional in-person meetings.
• Must have a fast, reliable DSL, Fiber, or Broadband connection (not mobile or broadband stick) as the primary internet connection with a minimum actual speed of 50MBPS.

Note: An online assessment will also be part of the recruitment process.

Status: This is a full-time, permanent position with benefits.

Hardware Provision: Company-issued Laptop will be provided on your first day.

At Balsam International, we strive to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. For permanent, full-time team members, this includes:

• Government-mandated Benefits (SSS, PAG-IBIG, PhilHealth)
• 13th Month Pay
• Paid Leaves. We use time off to rest, go on vacation, or just sleep in! Our paid time off is flexible to our needs.
• Internet Subsidy. With internet allowance, we are set up for success.
• Healthcare Coverage (+ 2 dependents). We worry less about rising medical costs with flexible quality healthcare benefits.
• Maternity, Paternity, and Solo Parent Benefit. We make sure parents are supported while they navigate work and family life.
• Continuous Learning and Professional Development Benefit. Our professional and personal development are fully supported. Whether it be online courses, workshops or books!
• Mental Health Support. We manage work and life's challenges through Mental Health Day breaks, 24/7 professional counselling, and curated webinars.
• Company Incentive. An additional cash-based perk for all our Brandits based on company's performance.
• Meeting and Team Building Allowance. Happy tummies make our meetings more fun and productive!
• Shutdown Week. We can spend more time on things that matter with an additional one-week paid time off on top of paid leaves.
• Volunteer Time Off. With two paid days off, we are able to volunteer for advocacies we believe in.
• Bereavement Leave. We get additional paid leaves when a loved one passes to grieve and provide immediate support to our families.