Benefits Specialist

Ocean State Job Lot•North Kingstown, RI

18d•$65,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist at Ocean State Job Lot plays a strategic and operational role in administering, analyzing, and optimizing the company’s associate benefits portfolio. The position manages day-to-day administration of health, dental, life, disability, 401(k), COBRA, FSA, and wellness programs, ensuring effective enrollment, fiscal accuracy, data integrity, regulatory compliance, strong vendor performance, and responsive service to associates and stakeholders across corporate, distribution center, and store operations. The role serves as the primary liaison to benefits vendors, oversees enrollment and claims processes, audits vendor performance and benefit administration, reconciles payroll deductions and vendor charges, and leads the annual Open Enrollment process. It also evaluates benefit offerings, supports program launches and changes, advises management, and assists with complex or sensitive associate benefit matters. The Benefits Specialist is the functional subject matter expert for the benefits module in the HRIS platform and uses software tools for reconciliation, financial modeling, and reporting. The role maintains knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and ACA, and may lead benefit-related decision-making when departmental management is absent. The position works primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety and health hazards. A hybrid work option may be available, requiring at least three days per week in the Corporate Office; hybrid arrangements are not guaranteed and may change based on company policy, performance, and business needs. The role requires a professional, ergonomically safe work environment and availability during working hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combined education and progressive experience.
At least 4 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, benefits analysis, or total rewards administration.
High proficiency with HRIS platforms, specifically benefits modules.
Proficiency in Google platforms, including Sheets, Slides, Docs, Drive, and Sites.
Thorough working knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and federal and state benefits regulations.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly present complex financial and benefits information to people at all organizational levels.
Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Fluency in English.

Nice To Haves

Secondary language skills.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary liaison for third-party benefits vendors and providers, including medical, dental, 401(k), COBRA, and FSA vendors.
Audit vendor performance against service-level agreements and resolve underperformance, billing discrepancies, and administrative disputes.
Maintain accurate associate benefit records and oversee enrollment and claims-handling processes.
Lead recurring audits of benefits administration and payroll systems to verify accurate and timely reconciliation of deductions, elections, and vendor charges.
Oversee monthly billing and vendor-charge reconciliation to maintain data integrity and fiscal accountability.
Lead and coordinate annual Open Enrollment across all locations, including communications, materials, and project timelines.
Manage the launch and rollout of new benefits and communicate benefit changes to supply chain associates, store associates, and corporate teams.
Evaluate existing benefit offerings, analyze associate feedback and data, and recommend improvements.
Respond to associate inquiries and serve as a subject matter expert on complex benefit issues.
Advise management on benefits matters, policies, and procedures.
Partner with internal teams such as Legal and Payroll to resolve sensitive claims, formal complaints, and complex inquiries while mitigating risk.
Serve as the functional subject matter expert for the Benefits Administrator Module within the HRIS platform.
Use software tools for data reconciliation, financial modeling, and reporting.
Maintain knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and ensure plans and administrative procedures remain compliant.
Support leadership as a point of contact and lead for benefits-related decision-making when departmental management is absent, as needed.