Sr Benefits Analyst

About the Role:

We have an opening for a Senior Benefits Analyst position based out of our Franklin Park, IL location and will report to our Talent and Total Rewards Director. The Senior Benefits Analyst serves as the subject matter expert for all aspects of the company’s employee benefit programs. This role is responsible for designing, administering, and managing a comprehensive portfolio of benefit plans—including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401(k), wellness programs, and ancillary offerings—while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and, where applicable, global regulations.

This individual will partner closely with HR leadership, Payroll, IT, and field HR representatives to ensure the seamless administration of employee benefits and will play a key role in benefits strategy, communications, and continuous improvement initiatives. They will also lead annual open enrollment, manage escalated employee and vendor issues, and support ongoing benefit education and engagement across the organization. This role is critical in shaping the employee experience and supporting the company’s talent retention and engagement strategies.

The Senior Benefits Analyst will not only ensure operational excellence but will also help drive innovation in benefits offerings, aligning programs with evolving employee needs and market trends.

• Plan Administration & Compliance:
  Administer employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k), HSAs, FSAs, EAPs, wellness, and ancillary offerings. Ensure all programs are in compliance with federal and state regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and state-specific leave laws. Maintain compliance documentation and audit processes; partner in the preparation of filings such as Form 5500, ACA reporting, and nondiscrimination testing.
  
  Research and interpret evolving regulations to ensure ongoing compliance, recommending updates to policies or procedures as needed.
• Strategy & Vendor Management:
  Partner with leadership to develop and implement strategic benefits initiatives aligned with company goals and competitive market positioning. Evaluate, negotiate, and manage relationships with carriers, brokers, and third-party vendors to optimize cost, quality, and employee experience. Oversee benefits administration systems, ensuring accurate data feeds, streamlined workflows, and timely troubleshooting of system issues.
• Employee Support &
  
  Education:
  
  Lead resolution of escalated employee benefit inquiries and complex claims issues, ensuring a positive employee experience. Design, develop, and deliver clear, engaging benefits communications, training sessions, and resources to improve employee understanding and utilization of benefits. Partner with Total Rewards leadership on the development and delivery of Total Rewards Statements to highlight the value of the company’s offerings.
• Leave and Workers’ Compensation Oversight:
  Oversee administration of leave programs (FMLA, ADA, state‑specific leaves, personal leaves) and workers’ compensation claims in partnership with HR, Operations, and payroll teams. Ensure adherence to legal requirements and internal policies, while maintaining a positive employee experience.
• Annual Open Enrollment:
  Lead the planning, communication, and execution of annual open enrollment, ensuring a seamless experience for employees and accurate system configurations. Analyze enrollment data to drive participation strategies and support budgeting and forecasting.
• Data Analysis & Reporting:
  Analyze benefits data to identify trends, cost drivers, and opportunities for optimization. Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Team Leadership &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Provide oversight, guidance, and training to benefits team members to ensure operational excellence. Partner cross‑functionally with Payroll, IT, Legal, and field HR teams to ensure alignment, accuracy, and timely execution of all benefits‑related activities. Act as a thought partner to HR leadership, contributing to the overall Total Rewards strategy and roadmap.
• Other…