Benefits Specialist

Lakeside Foods•Manitowoc, WI

22d

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist is a detail-oriented and analytical Human Resources professional who supports and enhances Lakeside Foods’ employee benefits programs. Reporting to the Director of Compensation & Benefits, the role contributes to benefits administration, compliance, open enrollment, vendor management, data analysis, and employee support. The specialist works with consultants, brokers, internal stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams to administer benefit plans, support compliance, and improve employees’ benefits experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
Three or more years of experience supporting self-funded benefit plans, employee benefits administration, compliance, and benefits analysis.
Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other applicable employee benefits regulations.
Experience working with benefit plan audits, compliance reporting, and regulatory filings.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data accuracy and integrity.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, advanced formulas, data analysis, and reporting.
Experience extracting, combining, and analyzing data from multiple sources.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build effective relationships with employees, vendors, consultants, and cross-functional business partners.
Commitment to confidentiality, accuracy, and exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

Coordinate employee benefit plan renewals with consultants, brokers, and internal stakeholders, evaluating options and aligning plans with organizational objectives.
Lead annual open enrollment, including communications, educational sessions, system updates, testing, and enrollment support.
Develop and maintain employee benefit census data for cost projections, compliance activities, and benchmarking surveys.
Partner with Payroll, Finance, IT, Legal, HR Shared Services, benefit vendors, and consultants on benefits administration and implementation initiatives.
Maintain accurate and compliant benefit plan documents and records.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory changes affecting employee benefit programs.
Prepare and support compliance data requirements, including Form 5500 filings, 1095-C reporting, non-discrimination testing, notices, and disclosures.
Manage benefits compliance calendars and documentation.
Support audits, regulatory reviews, and other compliance-related requests.
Conduct audits and reconciliations to ensure benefit and HR data accuracy and integrity.
Analyze benefits programs, processes, trends, and controls and recommend continuous improvements.
Assist with developing, implementing, and maintaining benefits policies and procedures.
Partner with HR Shared Services to review benefits deduction audits, identify trends, and address potential compliance concerns.
Respond to employee and HR questions about benefit programs and resolve issues as needed.
Support employee wellness initiatives and recommend new programs and engagement opportunities.
Assist with benefits-related administration within HRIS systems.
Support special projects and ad hoc reporting requests.

Benefits

A choice of three quality affordable healthcare coverage options
Vision coverage
Dental coverage
Health savings account with employer contribution and flexible spending accounts
Retirement planning including Profit Sharing and 401(k) match
Company-provided life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
Generous paid time off including vacation, personal days, and holidays
Educational and professional development assistance
Wellness programs and fitness reimbursement
Dependent scholarship program
Career growth opportunities