Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist

Location: Columbia, MD

Salary: $71,000 - $74,000 per year

Who are we?

Established in 1975, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is one of the largest suppliers of analytical instrumentation, physical testing, and environmental monitoring systems in the world. Ground-breaking scientific research, manufacturing ideas and results continue to propel Shimazu’s outstanding reputation and “Excellence in Science.” People dedicated to our mission have the largest impact on Shimadzu’s continued growth and success. Would YOU like to join a diverse team of professionals working together with researchers, scientists and manufacturers to help better lives worldwide?

What can Shimadzu offer YOU?

• Our Culture – A work environment that values diversity, inclusion & belonging
• Competitive Compensation – Day 1 Benefits & Competitive Salary
• Retirement Benefits – Matching 401K & Profit-Sharing Program
• Professional Growth – Clear pathways for Career, Leadership and Personal Development
• Health Benefits – Flexible Spending/Health Savings Accounts
• Work-Life Balance – Generous & Front-Loaded Paid Time Off Plan
• Education – Tuition Assistance Program for both graduate and undergraduate levels
• Insurance Perks – Pet Insurance, optional Identity theft, legal pre-paid and critical care buy-up insurance benefits, generous company paid life insurance & short-term disability programs
• Work Flexibility – Business casual Dress Attire & casual (jeans) Friday!
• Employee Engagement – Employee Resource Groups to network, build a sense of community and enhance one’s career and personal development

Position Summary:

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support our Human Resources team. This role manages day-to-day benefits administration, wellness program coordination, and employee support services. You’ll ensure seamless delivery of benefit programs while helping to promote a healthy, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture. Your work will directly impact the employee experience and company-wide well-being.

JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Administer group benefits plans including dental, vision, life, pet insurance, FSA/HSA, legal, and identity protection plans
• Serve as primary contact for benefit questions, claim issues, and vendor relations
• Coordinate the corporate wellness program and manage related budget and website
• Support administration of the 401(k) plan, including compliance testing, payroll processing, and audit documentation
• Administer the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and track utilization and feedback
• Lead employee recognition programs and coordinate morale-boosting initiatives and company events
• Respond to and manage unemployment claims and workers’ compensation cases
• Maintain benefits documentation, compliance reports (EEO-1, OSHA 300, VETS 100), and employee medical files
• Manage the companies Department Information Systems Agency (DISA) program for Field Employees, ensuring that background checks and drug screenings are completed
• Provide backup support to Senior Benefits Specialist on Family Medical Leave Plans (FMLA) and Workers Compensation processes
• Support benefits-related communications and contribute to the employee newsletter
• Assist with annual open enrollment, benefit renewals, and leave administration as needed

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field preferred (or equivalent relevant experience)
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in benefits administration or HR generalist work with a benefits focus
• Working knowledge of benefit compliance regulations, 401(k) rules, and wellness program practices
• HR Certification (PHR, CEBS) preferred
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience with HRIS, payroll systems, and vendor management

Compensation & Benefits:

This full-time, exempt position comes with a comprehensive benefits package. In your first year, you will receive 10 paid vacation days, 8 paid personal days, 8 paid scheduled holidays and 3 paid floating holidays (Residents of California and Puerto Rico will receive state-mandated sick leave instead of personal days). After one year of employment, you will also be eligible for a generous short-term disability program with the company covering 100% of monthly premiums.

The starting salary range for this role is $71,000 to $74,000 annually, paid semi-monthly. Additional variable compensation may include a discretionary year-end bonus based on overall company performance.

For more details on benefits, please visit www.ssi.shimadzu.com/jobs.

Shimadzu is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Shimadzu via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position (and agency was requested to work the requisition) will be deemed the sole property of Shimadzu. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Shimadzu as a result of the referral or through other means.

EEO Statement:

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please click here.

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Human Resource Administration or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

• PHR
• SHRM-CP

Skills

Required

• Human Resources

Preferred

• HRIS Software

Behaviors

Required

• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.