Benefits Specialist

Company Details

Darling Ingredients repurposes and recycles materials from the animal agriculture and food industries - transforming them into essential ingredients that do everything from feeding animals to fertilizing crops to fueling planes and nourishing people. We're the number one publicly traded company of our kind, operating a global family of brands and businesses that span more than 260 facilities in over 15 countries. Our unique scale allows us to make entire industries less wasteful and more sustainable, helping move the world toward a more circular economy.

Darling Ingredients offers full time employees a full suite of benefits including but not limited to the following: 401(k), Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Paid Time Off.

Job Summary

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for assisting the date to day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement plans, and other employee benefit programs and administering the employee leave programs in accordance with company policies, federal and state regulations, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. This specialist provides support to employees and managers by offering guidance, maintaining documentation, and ensuring a smooth and compliant leave process.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Processes benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS and carrier systems
• Supports annual open enrollment, including system setup, materials preparation, and employee communication
• Reviews, reconcile, and audit benefits data to ensure accuracy and correct discrepancies.
• Serves as a primary contact for employee benefits questions, providing clear and timely responses
• Educates employees on benefit options, eligibility, and processes
• Ensures required records are properly maintained and controlled
• Ensures accurate processing, documentation, and communication related to leave of absence requests, including FMLA, disability, personal leave, workers' compensation, military leave, and other statutory or company-sponsored leave programs.
• Assists with required reporting and audits instructed by the
• Collaborates with HR team members on employee onboarding and offboarding processes

• Administers various leave programs such as FMLA, disability, and other leave policies, ensuring consistency with company policies and legal requirements
• Processes leave requests by handling the intake, processing, and tracking of employee leave requests, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with relevant regulations
• Tracks leave balances by maintaining accurate records of employee leave balances, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements

• Assists with special projects, process improvements, and system updates within the Benefits department
• Maintains confidentiality of employee information at all times
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of experience in benefits or HR administration (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Above average computer skills in a networked environment with advanced knowledge and skills using all MS Office products, advanced skills in Excel required
• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• Oracle HCM experience a plus

• Highly motivated, energetic, self-starter with excellent oral and written communication skills

The information contained in this job description is intended to describe the essential job functions required of those assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the job. Please note that management retains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, integrity, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Darling Ingredients.

Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or, protected veteran status. Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser: https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal-poster