Benefits Analyst (Contract) (Houston)

Job Description Benefits Analyst II (Contract) Location: Houston, TX (On-site, 5 days/week) Duration: 6–12 month contract Pay Rate: $35–$38/hour Overview We are seeking a Benefits Analyst II to support health & welfare and retirement programs within a fast-paced, shared services environment. This role partners closely with HR and internal stakeholders to deliver accurate, timely benefits support while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities Serve as a primary contact for employee benefits inquiries across multiple entities Administer and process benefits transactions (enrollments, terminations, COBRA, retirement plans, claims, etc.) Partner with vendors and third-party administrators to ensure seamless plan operations Maintain and audit benefits data, reporting, and documentation for accuracy and compliance Analyze benefits usage, costs, and trends; support reporting and forecasting efforts Assist with open enrollment, employee communications, and process improvements Manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a high-volume environment Qualifications 5–7+ years of benefits administration experience (health & welfare and retirement) Experience supporting multiple entities or clients simultaneously Background in a shared services model preferred Strong knowledge of benefits compliance (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA) Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data analysis) Strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred Additional Details Must be local to the Houston area (within ~25 miles) Fast-paced, highly collaborative environment requiring strong attention to detail and prioritization