Principal Benefits Specialist

KBR, Inc.

Principal Benefits Specialist managing benefits programs in a complex, multi-national environment for KBR. Supporting HR and vendor relations for health and retirement programs.

Posted 6/26/2026full-timeHouston • District of Columbia, Texas, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the design, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of benefits programs, including health & welfare, retirement, leave, and well-being initiatives across multiple regions
Administer day-to-day benefits operations, including enrollments, renewals, and lifecycle activities, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and a strong employee experience
Manage and coordinate with benefits vendors (e.g., health, retirement, leave, and well-being providers), ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and delivery of high-quality services
Support and contribute to end-to-end implementation of new vendors and programs, including participation in RFP processes, project management, change management, and post-implementation audits
Partner cross-functionally with HR, Payroll, HRIS, Finance, Legal, and regional stakeholders to support program delivery, resolve issues, and ensure alignment across functions
Resolve complex and escalated employee issues related to eligibility, claims, and vendor administration in partnership with internal teams and external providers
Support annual enrollment processes, including planning, system testing, audits, and employee communications
Collaborate with internal and external communications teams to develop clear, accurate, and engaging benefits communications for a diverse workforce
Analyze benefits data, trends, and costs in partnership with external consultants and internal stakeholders to identify insights, cost-saving opportunities, and program enhancements
Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership to support decision-making and continuous improvement
Support compliance with regulatory requirements, including preparation and coordination of required filings, documentation, and audits (e.g., U.S. ERISA-related filings)
Assist with billing, financial tracking, reporting, and reconciliation activities to ensure accuracy and fiscal discipline
Identify and drive process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, data integrity, and service delivery across multiple benefits programs
Support HRIS and benefits system updates, integrations, and data management, ensuring accuracy and understanding downstream impacts of changes.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required
7+ years of experience in benefits, Total Rewards, or a related function
Experience supporting benefits programs in a multinational or complex organizational environment preferred
Strong knowledge of health & welfare and/or retirement benefit programs, with exposure to complex benefits environments preferred
Understanding of benefits laws and regulatory requirements (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and international equivalents as applicable)
Experience working with third-party vendors, including participation in implementations, transitions, and ongoing performance management
Experience supporting or leading vendor implementations, including involvement in RFPs, system configuration, and post-implementation validation
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management capabilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and vendors
Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (e.g., Workday, SAP), with strong data management and system navigation skills
Advanced proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, data analysis) and experience preparing reports and presentations.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

benefits administrationdata analysisproject managementvendor managementsystem configurationfinancial trackingreport preparationcompliance managementprocess improvementanalytical skills

Soft Skills

detail-orientedorganizational skillseffective communicationstakeholder managementcollaborationproblem-solvingadaptabilityleadershiptime managementinterpersonal skills

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human ResourcesBachelor’s degree in Business AdministrationBachelor’s degree in FinanceCertified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)Professional in Human Resources (PHR)Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)