Benefits Specialist

We Make Life More Rewarding and Dignified 

Location: Libertyville 
Department: Human Resources 

Summary:

This position is responsible for several key areas in the day-to-day management, administration, and compliance of U.S. employee benefit plans and programs. The Specialist, Benefits is a subject matter expert, supporting all U.S. domestic sites in resolving benefits issues.  Benefits programs include health, welfare, wellbeing, voluntary, retirement, and absence plans.  The role requires a strong understanding of the SAP SuccessFactors HRIS system, ensuring the accuracy of Associates’ benefits records throughout all status changes, life events and coordination with payroll benefit processing.  This position plays a pivotal role in the analysis, communication, implementation, and development of U.S. domestic employee benefit plans, as well as, annual enrollment, Total Rewards Statements, wellbeing support, select global benefits and audits.  The role will include benefits vendor administration, program management and compliance coordination.  This position may also support benefit data analytics, benefit communications, payroll validations, worker’s compensation entry and safety programs. Hollister Operates in a hybrid work environment.

Essential Functions of the Role:

Ability to review detailed data from a wide variety of sources, both online and hardcopy format.  Ability to participate in daily conference calls and lead interactive training sessions with global Associates. Third-party and in-house system data entry; detailed spreadsheet work; written and verbal communication; participating in meetings, both in person and through video conferencing.  Physical requirements include: interactive verbal communication by phone and in-person, typing, and some light lifting. High tolerance for ambiguity and the ability to work in an environment with changing expectations.   

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily administration and compliance of employee benefit plans and programs including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, wellness programs, disability, retirement, retiree medical, time off, voluntary, and expatriate benefits.  In addition, the role is responsible for partnering with vendors for the programs the Benefits Specialists supports.
• Act as primary contact for external vendors to ensure data files are transmitted accurately and timely, as well as seek resolution of administrative issues with carrier representatives.  Interface with vendors on a regular basis with regards to plan administration, compliance and reporting requirements, strategy planning, communications, and various projects.
• Responsible for validating monthly vendor bills and reconciliations, reviewing and analyzing claims activity, and reporting any notable trends.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of all plans and programs as it relates to company policy and governmental regulations and interprets plan documents in order to resolve benefits issues.  Assists with compliance initiatives including: FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, FLSA, and ERISA and file required reports to agencies such as annual plan audits and governmental filings. 
• Responsible for staying up-to-date of changes in legislation and trends in the marketplace to help ensure that Hollister plans remain compliant and competitive in the marketplace.
• Responsible for monitoring daily benefit plan activity in order to make recommendations regarding issue resolution, plan design, vendor selection and management, cost savings opportunities, system testing and plan enhancements.   Responsible for validating the premium payment process, interacting with external vendors and internal departments such as Finance and Payroll.
• Develops, documents, and maintains written procedures regarding benefit plan administration.
• Responsible for creating benefits communications to Associates, utilizing knowledge of plan provisions and program offerings, in order to inform, educate, and raise awareness.  
• Creates and edits new hire benefits content and facilitates new hire orientation, including communication of Hollister benefits policies and procedures.  Ensures all benefit portals/communication are kept up-to-date.
• Supports Annual Enrollment process administration, testing, training and information dissemination.
• Leads key Total Rewards projects such as Total Rewards Statements, and other HR initiatives as determined by leadership.
• Partners with the other Benefits Team members with plan administration, including new entrant recognition, loan requests, and terminations and retirements.
• Leads data collection and delivery of required documentation for plan audits and other compliance requirements.
• Partners on other HR programs/projects (i.e. recognition, payroll, HRIS, Shared Service, mobility, new hire paperwork, etc.) to enhance HR effectiveness for our Associates.

Work Experience Requirements:

• Over 5-8 years experience
• Minimum 5-8 years with a Bachelor’s Degree OR 3-5 years with an applicable industry certification and an advanced degree
• Applicable industry certifications, such as PHR/SPHR, CBP, and/or CEBS, preferred
• Experience interacting effectively with cross-functional teams, such as Finance, Payroll, Accounting, Human Resources, Legal and IT to successfully resolve issues and accomplish projects

Specialized Skills/Technical Knowledge:

• Employee U.S. benefits plan experience; knowledge of rules and regulations governing employee benefits plans plus the ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate benefits policies and procedures       
• Basic computer skills required
• Intermediate to Advanced skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required
• SAP HR module and SuccessFactors HR module experience preferred
• Ability to manage time and multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment and function independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent customer service
• Project management skills
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of associates in the organization and external benefits partners
• Strong problem solving, data and analytical skills

#LI-Hybrid

About Hollister Incorporated

Hollister Incorporated is an independent, employee-owned company that develops, manufactures and markets healthcare products worldwide. The company spearheads the advancement of innovative products for ostomy care, continence care and critical care, and also creates educational support materials for patients and healthcare professionals. Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, Hollister has manufacturing and distribution centers on three continents and sells in nearly 80 countries. Hollister is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Firm of John Dickinson Schneider, Inc., and is guided both by its Mission to make life more rewarding and dignified for people who use our products and services, as well as its Vision to grow and prosper as an independent, employee-owned company, and in the process, to become better human beings.

Our Total Rewards package in aggregate is above market and includes competitive pay, generous paid time off programs, peer-to-peer recognition, health and life insurance, wellness programs and incentives, generous retirement savings, and a unique Benefit of Employee Share Ownership Program (BESOP).

Hollister is an EO employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability
Job Req ID: 32807