Sr Benefits Specialist

Senior Specialist, Benefits (Retirement Plans Focus) Senior Specialist, Benefits has a primary role with respect to the administration of CME's benefits programs with a core focus on retirement benefits, including company’s cash balance pension plan, 401(k) plan and deferred compensation benefits. The role administers retirement plans and assists in the execution of the company's financial wellness strategy. Additional administrative responsibilities include life and disability insurance benefits, wellness and ancillary benefits, reporting and audit‑related tasks. The role executes benefits administration tasks, performs data analysis, develops benefits communications, is responsible for compliance tasks, conducts system testing, researches issues, and provides customer service to employees and retired participants. Key Responsibilities Perform administrative oversight of active cash balance pension plan. Serve a lead role in processes related to provision of data from HRIS system to third‑party pension administrator. Develop subject‑matter expertise with third‑party system capabilities, reporting and automation. Identify and research employee and participant issues using internal systems and records, plan documentation review and interpretation. Oversee plan compliance, audits and required regulatory testing (e.g., nondiscrimination testing). Coordinate valuation data requests and maintain detailed plan documentation and records. Maintain and improve communications related to plan administration. Administer 401(k) and deferred compensation plans, utilizing extensive knowledge of plan provisions. Oversee nonqualified deferred compensation plans, including top‑up/make‑whole calculation provisions. Coordinate defined contribution plan investment fund changes and plan integrations/M&A. Perform administration of executive benefits plans, including executive individual disability benefits program. Facilitate open enrollment of executive nonqualified deferred compensation plans and corresponding participant communications. Enhance administration of vendor systems, ensuring data accuracy and system integrity. Manage vendors in day‑to‑day administration and maintain detailed internal records. Develop report specifications and run reports to ensure benefits accuracy, data integrity and perform data analysis. Support ancillary benefits plans such as paid time off, wellness program, health and welfare plans. Utilize Workday system knowledge for issue resolution, data analysis and system configuration. Oversee other benefits administration areas (commuter plan funding, payroll integrations, spending accounts, etc.) and provide provisional support. Act as primary vendor contact for retirement plans, building vendor relationships for quality customer service. Lead new vendor implementations and manage benefits system testing. Provide regular updates to benefits management on performance and recommend corrective actions. Assist with open enrollment communications, configuration and testing of new programs, rules and rates. Coordinate educational events and audit accuracy of benefits enrollment set‑up. Administer day‑to‑day benefits department processes, respond to employee questions, research issues and support special projects. Qualifications & Experience 8+ years of direct employee benefits experience in the retirement benefits area. Highly skilled in retirement plans administration (pension, 401(k), nonqualified deferred compensation). Strong working knowledge of health and welfare, insurance, leave, wellness and related benefit plans. Deep understanding of pension plans, 401(k), and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. Skilled at reading and interpreting plan documents and policies. Strong analytical, detailed processing and calculation skills. Consultative approach with excellent communication skills (written, one‑on‑one, group). Experience with new vendor implementations and overall vendor management. In‑depth knowledge of benefits regulations (IRS nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, etc.). Demonstrated data and technical skills (benefits systems, file comparisons, testing). Experience with HRIS systems, preferably Workday. Compensation & Benefits Pay range: $38.99–$64.95 per hour. Actual salary offered will depend on experience, skills, education and internal comparisons. The compensation program includes an annual target bonus opportunity and a broad‑based equity program. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, a retirement package comprising both a 401(k) and an active pension plan, competitive education reimbursement, paid time off and a mental‑health benefit. Equal Opportunity Employer As an equal‑opportunity employer, CME Group considers all potential employees without regard to any protected characteristic. #J-18808-Ljbffr