HR Generalist (benefits focus) ($65K-$85K)

Human Resources | Employee Benefits | Leave Management | People-Focused Role

We are seeking a passionate and detail-driven HR Generalist who enjoys managing and improving employee benefits programs while delivering an exceptional employee experience. This role is ideal for an HR professional who thrives in benefits administration, enjoys helping employees navigate their coverage, and takes pride in ensuring compliance and accuracy. You'll play a key role in shaping the employee experience by supporting benefits strategy, leave administration, and HR operations in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Strategy & Administration

• Lead the day-to-day administration and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and voluntary offerings
• Manage relationships with benefits brokers, consultants, and carriers to ensure high-quality service and plan performance
• Analyze benefits utilization, cost trends, and competitiveness; provide recommendations to enhance offerings and employee value
• Partner with leadership and finance teams to support forecasting and reporting of benefits-related costs
• Oversee annual open enrollment, including planning, communication, and employee education
• Administer benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations with accuracy and timeliness
• Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and resolve discrepancies
• Promote benefit awareness by educating employees and increasing engagement with available programs
• Serve as a trusted resource to employees for questions related to health plans, retirement, FSAs/HRAs, and other benefits
• Ensure accurate administration of COBRA and related compliance requirements

Leave Administration & Payroll Collaboration

• Manage and track all leave of absence programs, including FMLA, Paid Family & Medical Leave, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and ADA accommodations
• Act as the primary contact for employees requesting or currently on leave, guiding them through processes and ensuring a supportive experience
• Coordinate with HR, payroll, managers, and external leave providers to ensure compliance and smooth transitions
• Ensure proper benefits continuation and accurate documentation during leave periods
• Support payroll processes by reviewing timecards, assisting with adjustments, and ensuring benefit deductions are accurate
• Identify and resolve payroll or benefits-related discrepancies

Employee Experience & HR Partnership

• Serve as a key HR partner, advocating for employees and helping enhance engagement and workplace satisfaction
• Support onboarding by delivering benefits education and ensuring a smooth transition for new hires
• Contribute to employee engagement initiatives, company events, and culture-building efforts
• Participate in HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide general administrative and operational support to maintain an organized and efficient workplace

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local benefits regulations
• Prepare and manage reporting requirements including ACA filings, Form 5500, retirement plan documentation, and other regulatory submissions
• Maintain accurate documentation and audit-ready processes across all benefits programs
• Support employment-related reporting and compliance initiatives in partnership with HR leadership

Workplace & Operational Support

• Assist with maintaining a well-functioning office environment by supporting basic operational needs
• Coordinate office supplies, inventory, and workplace organization to ensure a positive employee experience

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in benefits administration
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs, leave management, and compliance regulations
• Experience working with HRIS systems and benefits platforms
• Understanding of payroll processes and benefit deductions
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills with a customer-service mindset
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Additional Details

• Base salary range : $65,000 - $85,000 depending on experience
• Schedule: 8am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday (appox.)
• Location : Onsite in Eden Prairie, MN
• Type : Direct hire with full benefits package:
  • Medical / Dental Insurance thru HealthPartners | Vision thru EyeMed Vision Care
  • 401K -Monthly discretionary Company match - 25% of employee contributions up to 6% of salary
  • PTO
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 8 paid Holidays
  • Employee assistance program
  • LT and ST disability
  • Employer paid life insurance

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.