Benefits Analyst

Equity Residential•Chicago, IL

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefits Analyst is a key member of the HR Operations team responsible for supporting and owning the day-to-day operations of the company’s health, welfare, and retirement programs. This role ensures programs are delivered accurately, efficiently, and with a strong employee experience. This position requires a high degree of ownership, critical thinking, and proactive problem-solving. The ideal candidate does not simply execute tasks but identifies issues, recommends solutions, and drives work to resolution in partnership with internal stakeholders and external vendors. At Equity Residential, we're dedicated to creating thriving communities, and we invite you to be part of our team. Embracing values like Diversity, Sustainability, and Total Wellbeing, we foster a workplace culture of authenticity and collaboration.

Requirements

3+ years of benefits or HR experience with exposure to health & welfare and/or retirement plans
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends
Experience working with benefit vendors and managing issue resolution
Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups); ability to work with large data sets
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate with a high level of independence
Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex information clearly
Experience with outsourced benefits administration
Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or related field

Nice To Haves

HR or benefits certification (CEBS, PHR, etc.)

Responsibilities

Owns day-to-day administration of health, welfare, and 401(k) programs, ensuring accuracy and timely execution
Serves as a primary point of contact for benefit vendors; manages inquiries, escalations, and follow-through
Proactively monitors vendor performance and platform experience to ensure alignment with company expectations
Verifies that issues are fully resolved and escalates when needed
Investigates and resolves complex benefit and system issues, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions
Identifies trends, risks, or gaps in processes and takes initiative to address them
Recommends and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience
Performs audits, reconciliations, and data validation across systems, vendors, and payroll
Analyzes data to identify discrepancies, trends, and cost drivers
Develops reports and provides insights to support decision-making
Supports and coordinates compliance activities (e.g., audits, 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing)
Ensures benefit plans are administered in accordance with plan provisions and regulatory requirements
Leads or supports key initiatives such as annual enrollment, vendor transitions, and plan changes
Partners with Payroll, HRIT, Finance, and vendors to resolve issues and improve processes
Resolves escalated employee inquiries with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and service
Contributes to employee communications and ensures consistency between messaging and employee experience
Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
Works with protected health information and confidential data. Maintains employee confidence by keeping benefits information confidential.
Performs other duties as necessary.