Sr Analyst, Benefits Planning
Wayne Farms · Oakwood
Job Summary:
The Sr. Benefits Planning Analyst role manages the financial planning, modeling, analysis, and vendor‑related financial oversight of the company’s enterprise-wide Health & Welfare programs, including developing and managing the Company’s benefits budget. Additionally, the role works closely with brokers, actuaries, and internal teams when analyzing each program’s performance to ensure accurate financial operations. This role drives strategic benefits cost planning, manages complex financial processes, and influences cross‑functional stakeholders. The analyst also contributes to vendor management, benefits administration, and compliance efforts.
Job Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Analytics
- Own enterprise-wide financial strategy and performance for Health & Welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), etc.
- Lead financial modeling, including claims trend analysis, PEPM modeling, rate setting, and scenario forecasting to inform enterprise decision-making in conjunction with external consulting team
- Accountable for financial accuracy, reconciliation, and reporting of approximately $3.3MM in weekly benefits expenditures for Anthem medical plan, ensuring strong controls and audit readiness
- Analyze cost drivers, utilization patterns, and long-term financial risks; translate insights into actionable strategies that optimize cost and program performance
- Deliver executive-level financial reporting and insights to senior leadership, auditors, and carriers.
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Own the annual and multi-year benefits budgeting process in partnership with HR leaders and Finance, aligning with enterprise financial goals
- Develop and execute long-term cost management strategies, including trend mitigation and financial risk planning
- Monitor and manage monthly spending against budget; lead variance analysis and implement corrective actions to ensure financial targets are met; escalate the most complex issues to The H&W Manager/ Director
- Provide forward-looking financial insights that directly influence plan design, funding strategies, and enterprise cost management decisions
Invoicing & Vendor Financial Oversight
- Own enterprise-wide billing, accounting, and reconciliation processes for the Total Rewards departments (benefits, compensation and HRIS)
- Direct financial operations and performance of key vendors, including Anthem, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and contractual alignment
- Lead invoice auditing, reconciliation, and validation processes across high-volume, high-value transactions
- Research and resolve all but the most complex enterprise-wide financial issues, driving resolution across vendors, Finance, and internal stakeholders
- Establish and enforce financial controls, audit protocols, and vendor accountability standards to ensure operational excellence
- Produce and present reports on benefit costs, claims, utilization, and vendor performance metrics
Strategic Benefits Planning
- Own financial strategy supporting plan design and vendor strategy decisions, including evaluation of emerging trends, competitive benchmarks, and regulatory impacts
- Influence enterprise benefits strategy by providing data-driven financial recommendations and decision support o senior leadership
- Partner with HR and leadership to align benefits offerings with organizational objectives, cost targets, and employee value
- Conduct market and competitor analyses to inform long-term strategic direction and program optimization
Committee & Program Administration
- Leads preparation of financial materials and strategic insights for executive reviews, audits, and compliance requirements
- Assist with governance activities, including documentation and financial reporting for compliance and audit needs.
- Act as the Benefits’ financial subject‑matter expert for HR, Legal, Payroll, Finance, brokers, and carriers.
Experience
- 5+ years of experience in benefits administration and financial analysis, preferably in a large corporate environment.
- Demonstrated experience owning enterprise-level financial processes and managing high-dollar, high-volume operations
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proven ability to direct vendor performance, influence senior leadership decisions, and drive strategic financial outcomes
- Ability to communicate financial insights to leadership and influence outcomes across teams.
- Strong analytical and quantitative capabilities.
- Strong understanding of health and welfare benefit plans and related compliance requirements.
- Experience working with brokers, actuaries, and external vendors.
- Above average proficiency in Excel and data (e.g., pivot tables, v-lookups).
- Familiarity with HRIS and benefits administration systems (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle).
- Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to present complex financial data and strategic insights to senior leadership.
- Ability to work non-stand shifts when needed per business requirements (e.g. holidays. weekends, extended shifts)
- Ability to travel up to 15%
Supervisor Responsibilities:
- This role is an individual contributor.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CEBS, CPA, SPHR) preferred.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to typical risks of injury in an office environment.
- Duties include a typical office setting including extensive computer work, sitting or standing.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must adhere to the company’s Code of Conduct and all other policies.
Safety Requirements:
- Follow all departmental and company safety policies and programs.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Wayne-Sanderson does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.