Senior Analyst, Benefits

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

How You Will Contribute:

This role is a subject matter expert and responsible for the management, administration, communication, and compliance of Ciena’s Health & Welfare programs in the US and Canada (NA).  This position will develop and recommend the NA benefits strategy and plan design changes that are in line with the Total Rewards strategy and corporate objectives. Ensure the Health & Welfare benefit package supports organizational goals, is cost effective, and provides high quality value to the employee population and the organization.  Review company benefit programs against current trends, market practices and ensures cost effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the development, procurement, implementation and management of all aspects of NA’s Health & Welfare benefit programs, including administration, communication, and regulatory compliance

• Serve as lead for the Americas Region

• Serve as an escalation point between employees and vendors to ensure enrollments, claims and transactions are processed in accordance with plan documents.

• Evaluate and compare existing benefit plans, trends and utilization with those of other employers through use of market surveys, networks and other sources and summarize and presents results and recommendations of the same to management team

• Develop and implement communications strategy for employees, former employees and dependents to help educate them regarding benefit programs, procedures, changes and government-mandated disclosures

• Ensure that our internal intranet and all reference locations remain current with our benefit offerings and supporting documents to support an employee self service strategy.

• Act as Project Manager for annual open enrollment and subsequent implementation of any plan or rate changes

• Lead the planning, organization, communication and facilitation of annual Benefit Enrollment Meetings.

• Monitor the external environment to identify changes to legislation, demographic, social trends, or competitive practices that affect benefits programs and recommend appropriate action for Ciena to take in response

• Develop and implement automation strategies across function to drive greater efficiencies

• Ensure compliance with all SOX and internal controls; review and revise as needed

• Ensure compliance with all US states and federal regulations to include but not limited to ERISA, HCR, COBRA, HIPAA

• Ensure compliance with Canada local provinces and federal legislation

• Submit government mandated reports monthly, quarterly and annually

• Analyze and report quarterly IBNR and Reserves to Finance and act as a point person with Accounting/Finance Team

• Analyze benefits experience for cost-control and risk-assessment factors

• Prepare NA renewal materials and recommendations for Benefit Committee

• Report Benefits exceptions and appeals to the Benefits Administration Committee and record the outcome

• Evaluate services, coverage and options available through consultants and insurance providers to determine the best and most cost-efficient solution to meet our organization’s needs

• Lead RFP process for all H&W vendors

• Own Benefits Administration vendor relationship

• Develop and update benefit policies to include but not limited to HIPAA, NA Leaves of Absence and Paid Time Off

• Serve as escalation point for NA Leave Administration

• Own on-line benefit web portal system, enrollment and administration system

• Design and deliver benefit new hire orientation

• Responsible for termination process and maintenance of termination documents

• Review, develop and implement processes and controls to ensure data integrity across Ben Admin, Payroll and Workday

The Must Haves:

• Bachelors Degree in Business or Human Resources

• Professional certification a plus (CEBS, CCP, etc.)

• 5-7 years’ experience working with US Health and Welfare Plans

• Working knowledge of Canadian Health & Welfare Plans preferred but not required

• Experience automating and improving processes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills<