Compensation and Benefits Analyst

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

As a proactive and analytical Compensation and Benefits Analyst, you will support the administration and continuous improvement of our compensation and benefits strategy across our multi-location manufacturing organization. This role requires experience working with unionized and nonunion environments, complex benefit structures, and multiple benefit plans. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, data analysis, and a passion for enhancing the employee experience through thoughtful Total Rewards solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Compensation Analysis

• Conduct market pricing and job evaluations to support equitable and competitive compensation practices.
• Assist with annual merit and incentive processes, including data validation and reporting.
• Participate in compensation surveys and benchmarking studies to gather market data; analyzes results and prepares reports to support compensation program administration.
• Analyze compensation trends and provide insights to support workforce planning and labor negotiations.

Retirement Plan Administration

• Assist in the administration of multiple retirement plans across the organization.
• Support compliance activities and plan audits.
• Assist employees with retirement plan questions regarding eligibility, enrollment, contribution options and distribution processes to ensure a positive employee experience.
• Communicate with plan providers, recordkeepers and internal stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely plan operations.

Benefits Program Administration

• Support the administration of benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and other voluntary benefits across union and non-union populations.

• Analyzes benefits invoicing and administrative processes by reviewing, reconciling, and auditing monthly vendor invoices for accuracy and compliance across multiple plans; collaborate with Finance to ensure timely payment and proper cost allocation.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and union-specific benefit regulations (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA).

• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) related to benefits.
• Collaborate with labor relations and HR team members to ensure accurate administration of union-negotiated benefit and retirement plans.

Data & Reporting

• Maintain systems with accurate employee data.
• Develop and deliver reports and dashboards to support compliance, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Identify trends and recommend enhancements to improve program effectiveness and employee experience.

Other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in compensation and benefits administration and analysis, preferably in a manufacturing or unionized environment.
• Experience working in UKG or similar HR platform

Skills

• Strong understanding of compensation plan design, benefit plan design, retirement plan operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Advanced Excel skills required.

• Applies strong attention to detail and analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate data.
• Driven to keep current with state and federal laws and regulations as they pertain to employee benefits and retirement plans.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work independently.

Competencies

• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams and locations.
• Commitment to providing a positive employee experience and responsive support.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with HR, finance, and leadership teams to meet goals and drive engagement.
• Openness to continuous learning, remaining current on benefits trends and best practices in wellness.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or SHRM-CP

Working Conditions (Physical demands)

• Primarily an office role but must be available for occasional travel to plant locations (15%)
• Full-time position that may require flexibility during peak enrollment periods or for organizational events.

Pay:

$85,000-$100,000 per year*

• The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

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.