Global Benefits Specialist

Overview: Baker Hughes is seeking a Senior Benefits Specialists to support its Corporate Benefits Department located at 3900 Essex Lane in Houston, Texas. The position will assist with the daily administration and delivery of the company's Health and Welfare benefit plans. Plans include medical, dental, prescription drug, vision, flexible spending accounts, Health Savings Account, life and AD&D, disability, Employee Assistance Program, business travel accident, and wellness programs. As a leader in the oilfield services industry, Baker Hughes offers opportunities for qualified people who want to grow in our high performance organization. Baker Hughes’ seven divisions provide products and services for oil and gas wells. Our leading technologies – and our ability to apply them safely and effectively – create value for our cus tom ers and our shareholders. Engineers, scientists, technicians and business professionals can make their careers at Baker Hughes in research, development, manufacturing, field operations, sales, finance, IT, marketing and human resources.Responsibilities:
Support the development of strategy and design of the H&W benefit programs; Manage vendor relationships to ensure administration accuracy, strong plan performance, regulatory compliance and cost containment; Provide leadership and development to direct reports; Integrate with Health, Safety, and Environmental and Worker’s Compensation departments with respect to disability and wellness programs ; Provide internal consulting, subject matter expertise, benchmarking and oversight with respect to the H&W benefits program; Analyze and develop policies and benefit plans covering H&W Benefits; Provide guidance and direction to HR and Benefits team members responsible for the processing of life events, including death, disability, leave of absence, retirement, QMSCO/QDRO and powers of attorney; Coordinate/participate in annual compliance and audit activities; Develop and deliver ongoing H&W benefit communications, including annual enrollment; Coordinate with the Corporate and Divisional HR teams as well as vendors on a variety of projects to deliver benefits to employees; Resolve complex benefit issues related to employee or management inquiries, including appeals; Identify and recommend benefit administration process improvements; Keep abreast of current benefit trends and participate in H&W benefit surveys to ensure parity with competitive market practices; Interact with Finance and Legal functions on benefits issues as necessary; Handle special projects as assigned; Position may require occasional travel The following applies to benefit programs outside the U.S. Facilitate design and implementation of local/regional benefit programs within global governance structure ; Provide internal consulting, subject matter expertise, benchmarking and oversight with respect to global benefits program ; Ensure understanding and awareness of global benefits strategy and governance guidelines ; Support the evaluation of potential benefit programs and/or vendors ; Monitor existing practices and recommend changes aligned with global strategy ; Manage vendor relationships for global benefit plans as well as proper accounting and accruals ; Conduct and participate in compensation/benefit surveys to ensure parity with competitive market practices ; Manage global benefits database ; Interact with Finance and Legal function on benefits issues as necessaryPosted: 6/26/2006
End Date: None
REQUIREMENTS
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, prioritization, communication and cus tom er service skills. Strong PC skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Must be service oriented. Must be able to handle multiple activities successfully. Ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues in various locations; Conceptual and strategic thinker with strong analytical skills; Strong project management capabilities and experience working in diverse and changing environments ; Knowledge of regulatory and legislative issues impacting benefit programs ; Commitment to cus tom er service and ability to work in a team oriented environment ; Excellent verbal and written communication skill and the ability to conduct benefit meetings to all levels of employees