Senior Benefits Analyst

Country:
United States

Job Location:

Chicago
Job Family:
Human Resources
Type of contract:
Unlimited-term
Working mode:
Hybrid work
Job
Senior Benefits Analyst

At Bel, we are not just a company - we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social purpose. With beloved brands like Babybel, GoGo squeeZ, The Laughing Cow, and Boursin, our snacking solutions bring more than joy; they want to serve as a force for good. Our U.S. Mission?

To help close the critical 80% nutrition gap by making it easier for Americans to eat more fruits, veggies, and dairy as part of their daily lives.

The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI;
Brookings, SD;
Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, .

Under limited supervision, the Senior Benefits Analyst is responsible for the advanced analytics, administration, and compliance of the organization's employee benefit programs-including significant accountability for 401(k) plan testing, auditing, and administration. The analyst independently interprets and applies complex regulations, proactively identifies and resolves nuanced compliance risks, and partners with management to drive continuous improvement of benefit strategy, data integrity, and operational excellence.

This role routinely manages complex projects, analyzes benefit trends and utilization, and leads cross-functional initiatives to enhance policy and process alignment with evolving regulatory standards. This is a role based in Chicago.

• Conduct in-depth analytics on benefit program utilization, cost trends, and participant behavior; prepare executive-level reports and present recommendations to support total rewards strategies.
• Lead advanced compliance activities for all benefit programs, with a focus on 401(k):
  • Independently coordinate and complete annual nondiscrimination and compliance testing for 401(k) and other qualified plans.
  • Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring timely and accurate responses to auditors and government agencies.
  • Prepare, review, and file mandatory government reports (e.g. 5500s), required notice distribution (e.g. Safe Harbor, SPD), and ensure audit trails for all transactions.
• Lead integrated projects with vendors and internal stakeholders, driving continuous improvement initiatives regarding data flows, process automation, and operational efficiency; ensure robust controls and preventive solutions are implemented; execute on approved program or plan changes and rollouts.
• Complete annual or ad hoc compliance filings, including, but not limited to, health and welfare 5500s, gag clause attestation, pharmacy benefit reporting and creditable coverage status.
• Design and deliver communication materials and benefit education sessions, including, but not limited to, specialized 401(k) training for both employees and HR partners as needed.
• Continuously monitor changes in all applicable benefits laws and regulations (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, IRS rules, DOL), interpret impacts, and ensure program and process adjustment for ongoing compliance. Proactively recommend policy or plan changes to leadership.
• Resolve complex employee benefit issues and serve as a subject matter expert for escalated cases from HRBPs, third-party employee support services, and vendors; conduct root cause analyses and develop sound solutions.
• Oversee and review the accuracy of benefits data within HRIS, payroll, and third-party administrator platforms, deploying advanced auditing protocols and data-driven insights to ensure the highest data accuracy standards.
• Ensure all work complies with company policies, regulatory requirements, and deadlines.
• Champion the organization's core values through demonstrated behaviors and integrating these values into strategic decisions and process improvements.
• Perform other advanced projects and duties as assigned.

• Compliance error rates
• Accuracy and timeliness of 401(k) testing, audit responses, and government filings
• Process improvement implementation and outcomes
• Employee and HRBP satisfaction with benefits support
• Audit finding resolution rate and timeliness

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required; coursework or certification in benefits, HR, or data analytics preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum four (4) years professional experience in employee benefits administration with at least two (2) years specifically focused on 401(k) plan operations, compliance testing, or audit management.
• Demonstrated experience in benefits analytics, regulatory compliance, and large-scale process improvement.

SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of employee benefit principles, market trends, and compliance requirements.
• Expert in 401(k) plan administration, annual nondiscrimination testing, and audit/reporting.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and data management…