HR Benefits Specialist (Contract)
About The Position
Astronomer empowers data teams to bring mission-critical software, analytics, and AI to life and is the company behind Astro, the industry-leading unified DataOps platform powered by Apache Airflow®. Astro accelerates building reliable data products that unlock insights, unleash AI value, and powers data-driven applications. Trusted by more than 800 of the world's leading enterprises, Astronomer lets businesses do more with their data. To learn more, visit www.astronomer.io . About this role: Astronomer is seeking an experienced HR Benefits Specialist to provide full coverage during a critical 4–5 month period. This role ensures continuity across global HR operations, benefits administration, compliance, and employee lifecycle processes. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role responsible for maintaining compliance, leading time-sensitive initiatives (including U.S. Open Enrollment and the 401(k) audit), and ensuring day-to-day HR operations in Workday run smoothly and accurately. This role is remote but requires availability during Eastern Time (EST) business hours to effectively support global teams and cross-functional partners. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, global environment.
Requirements
- 2–3 years of experience in People Operations or HR
- Strong experience with U.S. benefits administration and leave management
- Experience supporting 401(k) audits and Form 5500 filings
- Experience running full-cycle Open Enrollment processes
- Familiarity with UK pension administration
- Working knowledge of Workday
- Strong understanding of U.S. employment laws and compliance requirements
- High attention to detail with strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to work independently in a remote, fast-paced environment
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a high-growth or startup environment
- Experience supporting global or EOR populations
- Experience identifying and implementing process improvements within HR systems
Responsibilities
- Own day-to-day HR operations across the U.S., UK, and global EOR populations
- Maintain accurate employee data in Workday and ensure proper documentation
- Identify and implement improvements to HR processes and system configurations
- Manage the HR ticketing system and respond to employee inquiries
- Administer leave of absence programs (FMLA, parental leave, disability, and statutory leaves)
- Administer health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs
- Lead U.S. Open Enrollment, including broker/vendor coordination, renewals, employee communications, and system setup
- Support the annual 401(k) audit in partnership with Finance and external auditors
- Partner with UK providers to administer benefits and pension programs
- Manage the Annual Pension & Salary Exchange Update Period, including communications and coordination
- Conduct annual employee handbook review and manage acknowledgment process
- Oversee compliance training rollout and track completion
- Ensure compliance with U.S., UK, and applicable global employment laws
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and reporting
- Process employee changes and support payroll cycles in partnership with finance
- Maintain data integrity in Workday and run standard People reports
- Identify and address operational inefficiencies where feasible
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
