Sr. Benefits Associate (Level III)

At Greenbrier, we do the hard work that matters. The Greenbrier Companies (NYSE:GBX) is powering the movement of products around the world as a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of freight rail transportation equipment and services.

Greenbrier’s heritage of hard work and industrial innovation is celebrated at every level of our organization. We structure our business to support teams that deliver innovative solutions for our customers while positively impacting the world around us.

Greenbrier’s success begins with people. We believe in supporting our global workforce through our unwavering attention to Safety, Quality, Respect for People and Customer Satisfaction. Our Inclusion, Diversity, Engagement, Access and Leadership (IDEAL) commitment is rooted in these values, which lead to a culture where employees are engaged and feel good about coming to work every day.

Summary

The Benefit Associate III performs advanced administrative work supporting the day-to-day operation of the company’s employee benefits and leave programs. Working with limited supervision and within established policies and procedures, this position independently processes complex transactions, reviews data for accuracy, resolves routine and moderately complex issues, and escalates matters requiring policy interpretation or higher-level approval. The role serves as an experienced resource for employees and partners closely with Human Resources, Payroll, benefit carriers, leave administrators, and other vendors to provide accurate, timely, and employee-focused service.

The position requires strong organization, analytical ability, attention to detail, and sound judgment in applying established procedures. The employee manages multiple priorities and deadlines, identifies discrepancies, recommends practical process improvements, and uses advanced Microsoft Excel skills to support audits, reconciliations, tracking, and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the following essential duties satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned to address business needs and changing business practices.

Benefits Administration

Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, HSAs, FSAs, life insurance, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefits.

Support company wellness initiatives and related reporting.

Independently process new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and annual open enrollment transactions in accordance with established procedures.

Maintain accurate employee benefit records within HRIS and benefits administration systems.

Audit benefit eligibility, deductions, invoices, and enrollment data to ensure accuracy.

Reconcile monthly carrier invoices and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions and employer contributions.

Research and resolve routine and moderately complex employee questions regarding eligibility, coverage, claims, and benefit options; escalate exceptions and matters requiring policy interpretation.

Coordinate with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators to resolve issues.

Prepare reports, analyze benefit data, and identify trends using Microsoft Excel

Develop and maintain spreadsheets for benefits tracking, audits, reconciliations, and reporting.

Coordinate assigned annual benefits open enrollment activities, including employee communications, system testing, data validation, and system updates.

Leave Administration

Administer employee leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), paid family and medical leave, workers' compensation coordination, military leave, and other company leave policies.

Review leave requests for eligibility and coordinate required documentation.

Communicate with employees, managers, healthcare providers, and third-party leave administrators throughout the leave process.

Monitor leave timelines, certification deadlines, return-to-work dates, and intermittent leave usage.

Coordinate return-to-work processes

Maintain accurate leave records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and company leave requirements.

Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate pay status and benefit deductions during employee leaves.

Educate employees and managers on leave policies, procedures, and available resources.

Compliance & General Administration

Perform assigned administrative compliance activities related to COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements using established procedures and timelines; identify discrepancies and escalate potential compliance concerns.

Maintain confidential employee information with the highest level of discretion.

Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Complete assigned HR projects, audits, data reviews, and recurring or ad hoc reports, coordinating follow-up items through completion.

Qualifications

The following generally describes requirements to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in benefits and leave administration or Human Resources.

Demonstrated experience administering employee leave programs, including FMLA, and workers' compensation coordination.

Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration and applicable federal and state employment laws.

Excellent Microsoft Excel skills are required, including:

Pivot Tables

VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP

Advanced formulas and functions

Data validation

Conditional formatting

Sorting, filtering, and management of large data sets

Reporting and data analysis

Experience with HRIS, payroll, and leave management systems.

Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

PHR or SPHR certification.

Experience with third-party leave administrators and benefits administration platforms.

Knowledge of multi-state leave laws and paid family leave programs.

Experience supporting annual open enrollment and compliance audits.

Experience with ADP Vantage

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work Environment

This position is performed in an office environment and requires regular use of computers, HRIS systems, Microsoft Office applications, and benefits and leave management platforms.

Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.

Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

Physical Activities and Requirements

Frequency Key

Not Applicable: Activity is not applicable to this occupation

Occasionally: Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0- 2.5+ hours/day)

Frequently: Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5- 5.5+ hours/day)

Constantly: Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hours/day)

Working Postures

Sit: Frequently

Stand: Occasionally