Benefit Manager - Human Resources

Benefit Manager - Human Resources

Location: Northbrook, IL

Company: Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

About Us: Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading company in the flavor and fragrance industry, dedicated to creating innovative and high-quality products. We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture where employees can thrive and grow.

Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Benefits Manager to lead, develop, and implement our US employee benefits and leave programs. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance, managing carrier relationships, and serving as the primary resource for employee benefits inquiries. The Benefits Manager will play a key part in promoting wellness initiatives and supporting our HR team in delivering exceptional employee experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage US employee benefits and leave programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and ancillary plans.
• Oversee benefit carrier relationships and recommend program changes.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines; manage benefit audits and reporting.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, including preparation, communication, and implementation.
• Maintain benefit files, update enrollments/terminations, and process benefit invoices.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits inquiries and assist with changes.
• Develop and implement wellness programs in partnership with benefit brokers.
• Administer leave of absence programs (WC, STD, LTD, ADA, FML, Parental Leave, etc.).
• Conduct new employee benefits orientations and ongoing promotional support.
• Coordinate with payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions.
• Plan and communicate employee recognition and wellness events.
• Support general HR activities for non-operational teams.
• Ensure timely COBRA processing and compliance.
• Adherent to safety and compliance standards (OSHA, FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, etc.).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Business Administration or related field preferred).
• Master’s Degree is a plus.
• 5–7 years of benefits experience required.
• 3–5 years of general HR experience is preferred.
• Experience managing all employee benefit plans and large employee events.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and HRIS (Ulti Pro preferred).
• HR technology implementation experience and CEBS Certification preferred.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary range of $110,000 - $132,000
• Full-time benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Be part of a supportive and collaborative HR team dedicated to supporting our employees and driving organizational changes.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

If you are a motivated HR professional with a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture, we encourage you to apply!