Benefits Specialist (Chicago)

Benefits Specialist (Hybrid – Chicago, IL)

We’re looking for a detail-oriented and employee-focused Benefits Specialist to join our clients growing financial services firm in a hybrid role based in Chicago, IL . In this role, you’ll help shape a seamless and supportive benefits experience for employees across the U.S. If you enjoy blending analytics with employee support and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this could be a great fit.

What You’ll Do

As a Benefits Specialist, you’ll play a key role in delivering and optimizing our benefits programs:

• Administer and support U.S. employee benefits programs including health, welfare, retirement, and wellness offerings, while assisting with global benefits processes as needed
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee questions related to benefits and leave of absence (LOA), ensuring timely and accurate support
• Coordinate end-to-end leave of absence processes, including eligibility review, documentation tracking, communications, and return-to-work planning
• Facilitate benefits onboarding sessions for new hires and provide backup support for global orientation efforts
• Manage vendor billing and reconciliation activities, ensuring accuracy and resolving discrepancies across benefit plans
• Monitor compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., federal, state, and global requirements) and support ongoing audit activities
• Analyze benefits data and trends to identify opportunities for cost optimization and enhanced employee experience
• Build and maintain reporting dashboards and key metrics such as utilization, participation rates, and vendor performance
• Support open enrollment cycles in the U.S. and contribute to global renewals and program rollouts
• Assist with retirement plan processes, including annual testing and audit coordination
• Identify process improvements and implement solutions to increase efficiency and accuracy in benefits administration

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related discipline
• 2-5 years of experience supporting employee benefits programs and related analytics
• Hands-on experience with U.S. benefits offerings and familiarity with vendor coordination
• Working knowledge of compliance requirements such as FMLA, ERISA, HIPAA, ADA, and state leave laws
• Experience with HRIS and benefits systems; exposure to Workday is a plus
• Proficiency in Excel and comfort working with data and reporting tools
• Excellent communication skills, with experience delivering presentations and employee-facing sessions
• High attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information with discretion
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

Why Join Us?

• Hybrid work flexibility in Chicago
• Opportunity to influence and improve employee benefits
• Collaborative and fast-paced environment with room to grow
• Meaningful work that directly impacts employee well-being and experience