Benefit and Leave Specialist at Ascent Aerospace in Macomb, MI

Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!

Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.

SUMMARY OF POSITION The Benefits and Leave Specialist is responsible for the administration, coordination, and support of employee benefit and leave of absence programs while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and exceptional employee service. This role serves as a key resource for employees and managers regarding benefits, leave administration, and HRIS processes. The Benefits and Leave Specialist will support the organization’s health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and leave programs while driving process improvements and maintaining data integrity within Dayforce and other HR systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position

Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. Coordinate and process employee benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life events. Administer leave of absence programs including FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, long-term disability, workers’ compensation, paid parental leave, and other applicable leave programs. Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding benefits and leave inquiries, providing guidance and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner. Coordinate leave documentation, approvals, tracking, return-to-work processes, and ongoing employee communication. Partner with managers, HR, Payroll, and third-party administrators to ensure proper administration of leave and benefits programs. Maintain accurate benefits and leave records and ensure data integrity within Dayforce and other HRIS systems. Audit benefit deductions, leave records, eligibility files, carrier invoices, and payroll-related benefits data for accuracy. Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate processing of benefit deductions and leave-related pay transactions. Coordinate annual open enrollment activities including employee communications, system testing, and employee education. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits and leave administration including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable wage and hour laws. Prepare and support required reporting, audits, and filings related to employee benefits and leave programs. Develop and maintain benefits and leave-related reports, dashboards, and employee communications. Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and system optimization. Maintain confidentiality of employee information and sensitive documentation.

Support HRIS administration related to Benefits, including benefit configuration and maintenance, workflows, system updates, reporting, troubleshooting, audits, and ensuring data integrity across benefit and employee records.

Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

REQUIRED SKILLS EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:

High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), SHRM, PHR, or related certification preferred. Minimum of 5–6 years of experience in employee benefits and leave administration. Previous experience with Dayforce (Ceridian) preferred; strong HRIS experience required. Working knowledge of employee benefits and leave regulations including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA, and workers’ compensation administration. Experience managing leave cases, benefits enrollments, reconciliations, and vendor coordination. Strong analytical and reporting skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills. Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion. This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements; therefore, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Effective speaking and listening skills. Ability to work on assignments where all tasks are not completely mapped Should exhibit high levels of professionalism. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to think independently and problem solve.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No

TRAVEL

Limited overnight travel up to 2-3 times per year. Travel may be required to other sites locations during the work day.

WORKING CONDITIONS Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job.

Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation May access and work in the manufacturing plant While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles The employee may be exposed to vibration The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate May be required to travel to other site locations during the work day May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands Work with safe manufacturing processes and understand that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area. Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to frequently walk & stand for short periods of time Must be able to lift and move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and move objects up to 35 lbs.

BENEFITS

Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance Life Insurance AD&D Insurance PTO 401k Match

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening. This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'). Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free +1 586-726-0500. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.

No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors Please note that Ascent Aerospace does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to Ascent Aerospace will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before the unsolicited resume or offer is received.