Sr. Benefits Partner - Lead

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Western Digital is looking for an experienced Sr. Benefits Partner to be a key member of the  Benefits team, delivering excellent employee benefits services. This role will report to the Director of Benefits and will work closely with People Operations, People Team Partners, Payroll, Legal, brokers and vendors. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in benefits administration for health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave of absence management, wellbeing programs, employee communication, governance, and compliance.

· Responsible for the administration and execution of  US and International Benefits programs. This includes health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave of absence management, wellbeing programs, employee communication, governance, and compliance.

· Collaborate with key stakeholders to provide comprehensive and competitive benefits to meet the Company’s objectives and budget while meeting employees’ needs and income. Utilize data driven research and peer survey data to analyze emerging market trends, making recommendations to maximize the employee experience.

· Responsible for leave of absence program and vendor management and accommodation requests. Act as a point of contact for leave vendor, managers, HR, Legal, and Payroll throughout the duration of an employee’s leave. Work with leave of absence vendor, People Team Partners and Legal to streamline leave program processes.

· Provide guidance and training to People Team Partners for escalated employee benefit inquiries on the various benefit plans and programs.

· Support the payment process for vendors and insurance carriers’ billing, assuring accuracy and timely payment by third-party consolidated billing provider.

· Project manage all aspects of annual U.S. benefit renewals and Open Enrollment design, planning, communication, and execution to assure employee understanding and enrollment, with accurate and timely data transmission to brokers, insurance carriers and benefit vendors.

· Responsible for retirement plan administration including the Company’s 401(k) and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans. Act as point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, lead communication and engagement efforts, ensure compliance with DOL/IRS regulations, perform audits and reconciliations and facilitate timely deposit of employees’ contributions to plans.

· Support benefit renewals internationally as assigned including but not limited to partnering with local stakeholders, understanding plan design trends and making recommendations as applicable, working with local brokers to renew, implement and communicate programs while recognizing budget parameters.

· Partner with the Director Benefits to review current business processes, make recommendations, and implement procedures to streamline Western Digital’s practices for efficiency and an improved benefits delivery experience.

· Responsible for annual compliance documents, tests and required regulatory filings (Section 125 testing, 5500 filings, ACA Filing, SAR, EDD and VDI, PCORI, ADP/ACP testing, etc.).

· Support employee wellbeing programs and events to boost employee engagement and raise awareness of wellness program offerings.

· Serve as backup support for the Global Benefits team; assist with special projects, as needed

Qualifications

Requirements:

· Minimum 8+ years Health and Welfare benefits and R