Sr Benefits Analyst

Maker's Pride Talent Acquisition Team•Downers Grove, IL

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Sr. Benefits Analyst is responsible for assisting with the management and administration of employee benefit programs ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role supports the daily administration of employee health and welfare plans, multiple 401(k) plans, leave of absence management, and Canadian health/retirement benefits. This is a remote role; however, you must reside in the Downers Grove, IL area or within 20 miles from one of our plant locations.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in managing Benefits for a multi-state organization with international operations with an In-depth knowledge of employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies.
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment and benefit laws, employee benefits administration, payroll/timekeeping processes, and employee/labor relations.
Strong analytical skills to evaluate benefit options and make data-driven recommendations on program design and cost effectiveness.
High attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively communicate benefit plans to employees and provide guidance on benefit-related inquiries.
Technical proficiency in Dayforce and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).

Nice To Haves

Experience in an industrial environment with multiple labor unions is a plus

Responsibilities

Provide guidance to the HR team and employees by interpreting and applying benefit policies ensuring clear communication and understanding.
Collaborate with the HR team to identify opportunities for benefit program and/or administrative process improvements.
Support the management of the Company’s third-party benefit vendors ensuring compliance with agreements, plan provisions, changing regulations; troubleshooting for resolution of open issues and identify opportunities for benefit program enhancements.
Participate in and/or lead vendor management meetings including utilization reviews and consideration of new solutions and tools to bring forward if applicable.
Manage escalated claims to resolution ensuring that all matters are closed appropriately.
Collaborates with the Company’s HRIS team and external vendors for system configuration and enhancements to the Company’s benefit programs and third-party data feeds for ongoing administration.
Support and lead aspects of the annual benefits open enrollment cycle for implementing and auditing system changes and new rates, file feed alignment, communications, enrollment support and data audits prior to start of the new year.
Analyze and reconcile benefit accounts and invoices to ensure accuracy and timely payment
Lead the data collection and analysis for RFPs, 401(k) census, and annual 5500 filings.
Analyze plan specifications and recommend system updates and/or process improvements.
Maintain and administer the organization’s multiple domestic 401(k) plans and a Canadian plan ensuring compliance with Plan provisions and government regulations.
Support the annual financial audit, non-discrimination testing and IRS filings of the 401k Plans.
Oversee Leave of Absence (LOA) administration, including FMLA, state-provided and company-specific leave programs to ensure compliance and positive employee experiences.
Lead vendor management of claims issues to support positive employee experience while ensuring regulatory and company policy compliance.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits.
Stay current on benefit trends, legislation, and best practices by attending workshops and reviewing professional publications.
Develop and present benefits training programs and materials for employees and HR partners.
Provide guidance and documentation supporting benefit processes and system functionality.