HR Benefits Specialist

General Kinematics Corporation • Crystal Lake, IL

5h • $55,000 - $70,000

About The Position

General Kinematics is the premier manufacturer of vibrating equipment for the processing of bulk materials. From vibratory feeders to entire process systems, General Kinematics creates the solutions customers require to process even the most difficult materials.

The Benefits Specialist is the dedicated benefits resource within General Kinematics' Human Resources department. This role manages and supports the full lifecycle of employee benefits administration from annual open enrollment through day-to-day issue resolution and serves as the primary point of contact for all benefits-related questions and concerns across the organization.
This position plays a critical role in ensuring employees understand, access, and make the most of their benefits throughout the year.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in benefits administration or a related HR role.
• Working knowledge of medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA/HSA plan types.
• Familiarity with COBRA, FMLA, ACA, ERISA, and HIPAA compliance requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefit topics in plain language.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms (preferably Paylocity) and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP, or other relevant certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full annual open enrollment process from planning through execution, including coordination with brokers, carriers, and vendors, employee communications, and enrollment auditing.
• Administer benefits for all new hires as part of the onboarding process, including conducting benefits orientations and ensuring timely carrier enrollment and confirmation.
• Administer and support the company’s 401(k) retirement plan, including employee enrollments, contribution changes, loan and distribution requests, and coordination with plan providers.
• Works closely with the HR Manager and CFO to align benefits strategy, ensure compliance, and obtain appropriate approvals for plan changes, vendor decisions, and cost-related matters.
• Serve as the first point of contact for all employee benefits inquiries and issues throughout the year, providing timely and accurate resolution.
• Process mid-year qualifying life event changes, COBRA notifications, and leave of absence-related benefits adjustments.
• Support and manage ongoing relationships with benefits carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators, including retirement plan providers, to ensure plan accuracy and service quality.
• Educate employees on plan options, coverage details, benefits utilization, and 401(k) plan features, including enrollment and retirement savings options, throughout the year.
• Reconcile and audit monthly carrier invoices against enrollment data; identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records in the HRIS system and ensure data integrity across platforms.
• Support compliance with applicable regulations, including FMLA and COBRA.
• Assist in preparing required government filings such as ACA reporting and Form 5500s, including coordination of 401(k) plan data and audit support.
• Address and resolve employee benefits claim issues and disputes, advocating on behalf of employees with carriers when necessary.
• Perform other HR-related duties as assigned by the HR Manager.

Benefits

• The position also comes with an annual profit-sharing incentive bonus payment.
• Our benefit programs provide choice and flexibility to meet the needs of you and your family. This includes health and well-being, financial planning tools, career development, PTO, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees