North America Benefits Partner

About the role

Alfa Laval is seeking a North America Benefits Partner to own end‑to‑end administration, compliance and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs across the United States and Canada. The role is on‑site hybrid in Richmond, VA (or Houston, TX) and serves as the subject‑matter expert for health, welfare, retirement, leave, open enrollment, vendor management and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Administer all employee benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSAs, wellness, voluntary benefits) for the U.S. and Canada.
• Manage eligibility, enrollments, terminations, qualifying life events and dependent verification.
• Lead the annual Open Enrollment process, including planning, vendor coordination, communications, testing and post‑enrollment reconciliation.
• Oversee U.S. 401(k), Deferred Compensation and Canadian retirement/savings plans, partnering with vendors for education and administration.
• Coordinate leave of absence programs (FMLA, parental, short‑ and long‑term disability, Canadian leave).
• Maintain relationships with brokers, carriers, third‑party administrators and retirement providers.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, Section 125 and related U.S. and Canadian regulations.
• Perform audits, reconciliations and reporting to guarantee data integrity across HRIS, payroll and vendor systems.
• Respond to employee benefit inquiries and escalations, delivering exceptional service.
• Develop communications, policies and educational resources to enhance the employee experience.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance or related field.
• Minimum 5 years progressive benefits administration experience, preferably in both the U.S. and Canada.
• Proven experience managing annual Open Enrollment from planning through execution.
• Experience administering U.S. 401(k) and Canadian retirement programs.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and Canadian benefits compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with brokers, carriers and third‑party administrators.
• Experience conducting benefits audits, reconciliations and data integrity reviews.
• Ability to work independently while partnering across HR, Payroll, Finance and business leaders.

Required skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel.
• HRIS experience (Workforce Now).
• Power BI and data‑visualisation tools.
• CEBS certification (preferred).
• SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP or PHR certification (preferred).

What we offer

• Competitive base salary ranging from $95,000 to $125,000 annually.
• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and 401(k) plan.