Senior Benefits Analyst

Wellbe Senior Medical•Chicago, IL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Benefits Analyst is responsible for the administration, analysis, compliance, communication, and continuous improvement of the organization's health and welfare, retirement, wellness, and leave of absence programs. This role serves as a subject matter expert, ensuring benefit plans are administered accurately, remain compliant with federal and state regulations, and support the organization's talent and business objectives. The Senior Benefits Analyst partners closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, vendors, and employees while leading complex benefits initiatives and projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or a related field.
5-8+ years of progressive benefits administration experience.
Strong experience managing both health and welfare and retirement plans.
Experience with annual audits, compliance reporting, and vendor management.
Experience using human capital management (HCM) or HRIS platforms to support benefits administration required.
Knowledge of employee benefit plan administration and applicable regulations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Advanced Excel skills and reporting capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong customer service orientation and employee advocacy mindset.
Ability to sit for extended periods.
Ability to perform work requiring prolonged keyboard and computer use.
Visual acuity, including close and peripheral vision and the ability to adjust visual focus.
Manual dexterity and coordination necessary to operate standard office equipment, including a computer, telephone, copier, and calculator.
Ability to communicate information effectively by telephone, computer, and other standard communication methods.
Ability to maintain moderate to intense concentration when performing complex analytical work.
Ability to bend, stoop, twist, kneel, crouch, crawl, and/or stretch from seated or standing positions as required.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel as needed to support business requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting self-funded plans preferred.
Dayforce experience strongly preferred.
CEBS
SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP
PHR/SPHR

Responsibilities

Administer medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, FSA, voluntary benefits, and wellness programs.
Ensure accurate enrollment, eligibility, termination, and life event processing.
Coordinate and support annual Open Enrollment planning, testing, communications, and implementation.
Monitor benefit plan operations and identify opportunities for process improvement.
Manage administration of 401(k), employer match, profit-sharing, and other retirement programs.
Coordinate annual nondiscrimination testing, audits, Form 5500 reporting, and compliance activities.
Partner with recordkeepers, trustees, auditors, and legal counsel as needed.
Review contribution remittances and ensure compliance with plan documents and regulatory requirements.
Support corrections related to plan operational issues, including QNEC and employer contribution adjustments when necessary.
Maintain compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, Section 125, Medicare Part D, and other applicable regulations.
Prepare and distribute required annual notices and plan communications.
Support internal and external audits and ensure timely resolution of findings.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and recommend required plan changes.
Serve as primary point of contact for benefit vendors and consultants.
Monitor vendor performance and service level agreements.
Investigate and resolve escalated employee and vendor issues.
Participate in vendor implementations, renewals, and RFP processes.
Analyze benefit utilization, enrollment, participation, and cost trends.
Prepare reports and presentations for HR leadership and executive stakeholders.
Reconcile carrier invoices and identify discrepancies.
Develop and maintain metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and financial performance.
Provide guidance on complex benefits and retirement plan questions.
Create employee communications, educational materials, and training resources.
Support employee engagement and benefits education initiatives throughout the year.
Lead benefits-related implementations, acquisitions, integrations, and system enhancements.
Partner with HRIS, Payroll, Finance, and external vendors on testing and system configuration.
Document business requirements and process improvements.
Manage multiple priorities while ensuring high levels of accuracy and compliance.