Benefits Specialist
JazzHR, Chicago, IL, United States
About this Role
Benefits Specialist
you will be responsible for administering and managing employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, and wellness initiatives.
You’ll ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, support employees with benefits-related inquiries, and work closely with HR, payroll, brokers, and external vendors to deliver a seamless and cost-effective benefits experience.
What You’ll Do
Administer employee benefits programs such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions and issue resolution
Coordinate benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations in HRIS systems
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA)
Own and lead the full lifecycle of the annual open enrollment process, from planning and system configuration through employee communication, enrollment support, and post-enrollment reconciliation and reporting
Reconcile benefits billing and partner with payroll to ensure accurate deductions
Partner with brokers and carriers to evaluate plan performance and market competitiveness
Negotiate carrier rates, renewals, and plan terms to optimize cost and coverage
Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new benefits carriers and programs
Coordinate carrier transitions, including system updates, employee communications, and enrollment setup
Analyze benefits utilization and costs; recommend enhancements or cost‑saving strategies
Maintain accurate benefits records and documentation
Assist in developing and communicating benefits policies and procedures
Who You Are
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
4‑6 years of experience in benefits administration or HR
Strong knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements
Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems, preferably UKG
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
High attention to detail and organizational skills
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or similar certification
Experience working with brokers and third‑party administrators
Experience managing carrier implementations or RFP processes
Advanced Excel or data analysis skills
The base salary range for this role is
$68,000–$75,000 . The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements.
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for company performance‑based bonuses and equity.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans available)
401(k) with immediate employer match vesting
Paid time off (including vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
Paid sabbatical after 5 years of service
Employee discounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Farmer’s Fridge Diversity Statement:
“Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification.
At Farmer’s Fridge, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.
You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.”
Farmer’s Fridge is an equal‑opportunity employer.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including hiring, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
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you will be responsible for administering and managing employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, and wellness initiatives.
You’ll ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, support employees with benefits-related inquiries, and work closely with HR, payroll, brokers, and external vendors to deliver a seamless and cost-effective benefits experience.
What You’ll Do
Administer employee benefits programs such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions and issue resolution
Coordinate benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations in HRIS systems
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA)
Own and lead the full lifecycle of the annual open enrollment process, from planning and system configuration through employee communication, enrollment support, and post-enrollment reconciliation and reporting
Reconcile benefits billing and partner with payroll to ensure accurate deductions
Partner with brokers and carriers to evaluate plan performance and market competitiveness
Negotiate carrier rates, renewals, and plan terms to optimize cost and coverage
Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new benefits carriers and programs
Coordinate carrier transitions, including system updates, employee communications, and enrollment setup
Analyze benefits utilization and costs; recommend enhancements or cost‑saving strategies
Maintain accurate benefits records and documentation
Assist in developing and communicating benefits policies and procedures
Who You Are
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
4‑6 years of experience in benefits administration or HR
Strong knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements
Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems, preferably UKG
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
High attention to detail and organizational skills
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or similar certification
Experience working with brokers and third‑party administrators
Experience managing carrier implementations or RFP processes
Advanced Excel or data analysis skills
The base salary range for this role is
$68,000–$75,000 . The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements.
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for company performance‑based bonuses and equity.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans available)
401(k) with immediate employer match vesting
Paid time off (including vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
Paid sabbatical after 5 years of service
Employee discounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Farmer’s Fridge Diversity Statement:
“Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification.
At Farmer’s Fridge, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.
You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.”
Farmer’s Fridge is an equal‑opportunity employer.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including hiring, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr