Sr Staff, Benefits Specialist

At Murphy Oil Corporation, we believe the rich experiences and backgrounds of our employees strengthen our Company, create a productive workforce, and drive our success. We encourage you to apply for the positions for which you meet the qualifications.

Job Summary

The Sr Staff, Benefits Specialist is responsible for evaluating, developing, and managing employee benefits programs to ensure the organization maintains a competitive position in the marketplace while effectively managing overall program costs. This role oversees plan design and documentation, healthcare reform compliance, open enrollment setup and execution, RDS submissions, benefits audits, system updates and integrations, and various special projects. The Benefits Advisor collaborates with leadership to develop and execute benefits strategies and should have a working knowledge of medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA), life, disability, 401(k), pension, and other benefit plans. Outstanding written, verbal, and visual communication skills are vital, as is the ability to engage effectively with employees, peers, and leadership across the organization.

Murphy’s Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Values—Doing Right Always, Stay With It, and Think Beyond Possible —emphasize the importance of clear communication, honoring commitments, fostering collaboration across the organization, recognizing the contributions of others, constructively challenging data, encouraging innovation, and proactively proposing solutions. The path of contribution includes leading defined initiatives, working semi-autonomously to drive meaningful results, advancing technical expertise, cultivating business acumen, building a strong professional reputation, and consistently demonstrating Murphy’s core values.

The Sr Staff, Benefits Specialist will in our Houston Corporate office and may work up to two (2) days a week remotely, as business needs allow.

Responsibilities

Program Management & Administration

Work in partnerships with vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators to coordinate benefit administration and ensure programs are competitive and cost-effective
Manage administrative costs of benefit programs and recommend cost-containment strategies, including alternate structures and funding methods
Maintain HR systems to ensure accurate employee eligibility data, weekly file feeds, and payroll deduction reconciliations
Drive day-to-day benefits operations, including reconciliations, responses to employee inquiries, and issue resolution related to health benefits, 401(k), and other plans
Facilitate and execute annual open enrollment processes

Compliance & Audit Oversight

Ensure benefit plans comply with federal and state regulations, including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, and COBRA requirements
Prepare and support audits, nondiscrimination testing, and required filings such as Form 5500.
Prepare HRIS reports to support governmental and audit requests, including annual nondiscrimination testing and ACA reporting
Partner with vendors and auditors to maintain plan integrity and compliance
Conduct self-audits and review account reconciliations, striving to streamline and automate processes where possible

Analysis & Reporting

Analyze benefits data and trends to assess business risks and develop recommended solutions
Perform 401(k) contribution and loan reconciliations for each payroll cycle; maintain SERP plans.

Communication & Employee Support

Communicate benefits information clearly and effectively to employees through written materials, presentations, and individual consultations
Respond to employee inquiries via group inboxes and other communication channels promptly and professionally
Update and maintain benefits policy and procedure manuals
Develop and deliver benefits education materials and training sessions to increase employee understanding and engagement
Promotes the development of a pipeline of benefits talent by coaching, mentoring, training and supporting the development of HR staff

Strategic & Industry Engagement

Regularly monitor competitive trends, regulatory changes, and emerging best practices in employee benefits
Participate in benefits surveys, meetings, and training opportunities to maintain expertise and ensure programs remain aligned with industry standards
Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams on the design and implementation of benefit strategy initiatives

Fostering positive team dynamics and facilitating effective collaboration across various disciplines, functions, and regions. Their contributions help create a cohesive and productive working environment.
Their conduct reflects Murphy’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Behaviors (MVVB), consistently upholding organizational standards both inside and outside the organization.

Qualifications/ Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required
Minimum of 15 years’ experience in employee benefits administration or other associated business roles
Strong understanding of employee benefit programs and applicable laws and regulations
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and recommend strategic improvements
Proficiency in HRIS systems, benefits platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite

Th e individual is required to follow all applicable safety precautions. Work is performed almost entirely in a controlled (i.e., inside) environment and does not typically subject the incumbent to any hazardous/extreme elements; some positions may require regularly moving or transporting items weighing up to 25 lbs. around the office for various needs. The successful candidate must be able to complete all essential physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

#LI-Hybrid
PURPOSE

We believe in providing energy that empowers people.

MISSION

We challenge the norm, tap into our strong legacy and use our foresight and financial discipline to deliver inspired energy solutions.

VISION

We see a future where we are an industry leader who is positively impacting lives for the next 100 years and beyond.

VALUES & BEHAVIORS

Do Right Always

Respect people, safety, environment and the law

Follow through on commitments

Make it better

Think Beyond Possible

Offer solution

Step up and lead

Don’t settle for “good enough”

Embrace new opportunities

Stay With It

Show resilience

Lean into challenges

Support each other

Consider the implications

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Murphy Oil Corporation participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' E-Verify program. Please read the E-Verify Notice-English / E-Verify Notice-Spanish and Right to Work Notice before proceeding with your job application.

For additional information, you may also visit the USCIS website .

Murphy Oil Corporation 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, and status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.
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