Lead Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

At 80 Acres Farms , we're on a mission to change the way the world eats—and we're looking for people who want to help us do it.

We grow pesticide-free salads, herbs, microgreens, and salad kits in smart vertical farms that produce more food with far fewer resources—using up to 95% less water and renewable electricity, with no reliance on weather or seasons. Our produce is available in more than 17,000 retail locations nationwide, including Kroger, Whole Foods, HEB, and The Fresh Market, and reaches food service partners across the country year-round.

What makes this possible is a combination of people, technology, and purpose. Our proprietary growing platform, developed by our technology subsidiary, Infinite Acres, provides our teams with real-time data and control over every aspect of the growing environment—making our farms among the most advanced in the world. We operate commercial farms in Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, and Colorado, packhouses in Indiana, Virginia, and Washington, and research and development facilities in Arkansas, Israel, and the Netherlands.

We've grown significantly through the acquisitions of Kalera and Soli Organic, and we're just getting started.

If you're passionate about sustainability, food, and building something that matters, we'd love to have you on the team.

The Impact You’ll Make

The Benefits Specialist manages the day-to-day administration and maintenance of the Company’s health, welfare, and 401(k) retirement programs. Working with the Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits, this role serves as the primary point of contact for employee education, enrollment, and support, while ensuring operational excellence and data integrity.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Benefits & Retirement Administration

• Oversee day-to-day operations for all health, welfare, and 401(k) plans, including enrollments, life events, and census data coordination.
• Lead employee education efforts during onboarding and open enrollment to assist with informed decision-making.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for employee inquiries, claims support, and carrier communications.
• Support the evaluation and implementation of new benefit programs and plan changes.

Leave & Workers’ Compensation

• Manage the full lifecycle of employee leaves (FMLA, ADA, state-specific, and company-provided), including documentation, approvals, and return-to-work processes.
• Administer workers’ compensation claims from injury intake through resolution, ensuring timely reporting and carrier coordination.
• Partner with site leadership and payroll to ensure accurate leave tracking and pay coordination.

Compliance, Audit & Data Integrity

• Perform regular quality checks and audits across HRIS, payroll, and vendor systems to ensure data accuracy.
• Coordinate nondiscrimination testing, annual filings, and internal/external audits for all benefit and retirement plans.
• Maintain records and ensure company compliance with all federal, state, and plan-specific regulations.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3-5 years in benefits/retirement administration or HR Operations
• Proficiency with HRIS, payroll systems, and benefits administration platforms, ADP preferred.

What Makes You Successful Here

• Deep understanding of health/welfare benefits, 401(k) plans, and federal/state compliance requirements.
• Strong communication / collaboration / leadership skills
• Ability to explain complex benefit information clearly to employees at all levels.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Employee-focused and service-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage confidential data.
• Collaborative approach with internal partners and external vendors.

Working at 80 Acres Farms

At 80 Acres Farms , we believe taking care of our people is just as important as taking care of our plants. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your family, and your future.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting day one
• At least 2 weeks of paid vacation, plus a minimum of 40 hours of paid sick time
• 10 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with up to a 4% company match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Paid time off, sick time, and leave benefits are offered in accordance with state and local laws and may vary depending on where you work.

Our Hiring Commitment

80 Acres Farms is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. You’re defined by more than just your job title, and we want you to feel comfortable bringing your true self to work. We value your talents, your traditions, your take on the world, and everything else that makes you unique. We strive to be to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

80 Acres Farms participates in E-Verify. As required by law, your employment with the Company is contingent upon you providing legal proof of your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics. All candidates will be given the same consideration.