Benefits Manager

Chicago suburbs, IL

Rapidly growing organization that's looking for an experienced Total Rewards Manager to lead its benefits and retirement programs. This is a high-impact replacement opportunity for a seasoned professional who can take ownership of the company's benefits function and serve as the internal expert on employee benefits, leave administration, retirement plans, and compliance.

• Lead all employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and voluntary benefits.
• Own the annual Open Enrollment process from strategy and planning through vendor negotiations, employee communications, enrollment, and implementation.
• Partner with brokers and leadership on benefit plan design, evaluating plan offerings, recommending improvements, and helping deliver competitive, cost-effective programs.
• Manage all aspects of the company's 401(k) plan, including participant communications, enrollment, vendor management, compliance, and ongoing administration.
• Coordinate Form 5500 filings, support annual 401(k) audits, and ensure retirement plan compliance.
• Help lead strategic retirement plan initiatives, including recordkeeper transitions and vendor conversions (experience with projects such as moving from Voya to Fidelity is highly desirable).
• Administer all Leave of Absence programs, including FMLA, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, military leave, paid family and medical leave programs, and multi-state leave requirements.
• Lead the ADA reasonable accommodation process, partnering with employees, managers, healthcare providers, and legal counsel to evaluate requests and ensure compliant workplace solutions.
• Develop employee communications and educational materials that simplify complex benefits and retirement programs.
• Support employee recognition and reward programs.
• Manage relationships with benefits brokers, retirement plan providers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Approximately 5+ years of progressive experience in Benefits, Total Rewards, or Human Resources, with significant ownership of employee benefits.
• Demonstrated success leading Open Enrollment from planning through execution.
• Strong experience administering 401(k) plans, coordinating Form 5500 filings, supporting 401(k) audits, and ensuring retirement plan compliance.
• Experience partnering on benefit plan design, renewals, and broker/vendor management.
• Experience supporting or leading 401(k) recordkeeper transitions or retirement plan conversions is a strong plus.
• Deep knowledge of FMLA, ADA accommodations, disability administration, and multi-state leave laws.
• Experience working with self-funded and/or fully insured health plans.
• HRIS experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to confidently manage sensitive employee matters.