Lead Benefits Specialist

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As a member of the Human Resources Services (HRS) organization, the Lead Benefits Specialist provides strategic benefits partnership to the broader Total Rewards team and the lab. The Lead Benefits Specialist works closely with the Employee Benefits and Systems Manager to provide benefit programs and initiatives that support the lab’s mission and helps attract and retain Argonne’s world-class community of talent. This role requires a high degree of confidentiality, sound judgment, discretion, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex research environment.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources (or equivalent), or Business, or related field and 6+ years of experience in employee benefits, with a track record of strategic program analysis and process improvement.
US citizenship: To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
Knowledge of HR practices and administration.
Ability to interpret and implement Argonne’s Human Resources, Laboratory and Division policies and procedures.
Proven ability to lead RFP processes, including vendor selection, evaluation criteria, and implementation.
Solid understanding of self-insured benefits administration, health plans, and retirement plans.
Experience working with benefits brokers, including data analysis to support plan performance and decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to manage benefits vendor relationships, ensuring effective plan administration, service delivery, and timely issue resolution.
Knowledge of pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements affecting employee benefits programs, including FMLA, ADA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, DOL and EEOC.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment, including anticipating business and HR partner needs and proactively bring forward solutions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
HRIS experience (Workday preferred).

Nice To Haves

Intermediate Excel skills preferred.
CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP, or related certification preferred.
Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork.

Responsibilities

Lead RFP processes and vendor evaluations, to select and implement benefits vendors and solutions.
Monitor program utilization and identify trends, bringing forward recommendations for process improvements, operational efficiency, and enhanced program design or employee experience.
Encourage employee feedback on benefits programs and services, incorporating input into program improvements and responding to stakeholders as appropriate.
Partner with our benefits broker and outside vendors to ensure benefits programming operates efficiently.
Contribute to Benefits projects, including system enhancements and annual open enrollment planning and execution.
Support annual open enrollment activities including employee communications, system testing, education sessions, and issue resolution.
Partner with Employee Benefits and Systems Manager on complex or sensitive employee cases (appeals, eligibility conflicts, etc.) requiring judgment beyond standard procedure.
Maintain working knowledge of Workday benefit processes.
Ensure accuracy of plan documents, SPDs, and SBCs to reflect current plan design.
Collaborate with Accounting/Payroll, Legal and other areas of HRS as needed.
Execute benefits compliance projects with applicable government regulations, including, but not limited to required annual reporting (5500s, NDTs, ACA, 401(k) plan audit).