Benefits Analyst

Job Summary The Benefits Analyst supports the administration, compliance, communication, and continuous improvement of Maker's Pride's health and welfare benefit programs. This role serves as a key resource for benefits operations, benefit plan audits, vendor coordination, system administration, communications, and compliance activities. The Benefits Analyst leverages data analytics and reporting to identify discrepancies, resolve issues, improve the team member experience, and ensure accurate administration of benefits programs across the organization. This is a hybrid role out of our Downers Grove, IL office 4 days/week. Key Responsibilities Execute weekly benefit audits and coordinate corrective actions to ensure data accuracy and compliance. Monitor and reconcile new hire enrollments, qualified life event (QLE) enrollments, pending Evidence of Insurability (EOI), and Statements of Health (SOH). Track and manage unverified dependents and dependent eligibility audits, including dependents approaching age-out thresholds. Review and resolve payroll deduction discrepancies across benefit programs. Analyze and reconcile carrier discrepancy reports, including Delta Dental and VSP enrollment and deduction reports. Develop regular reporting and dashboards to monitor enrollment activity, compliance concerns, and operational trends. Identify opportunities for process improvement through data analysis and operational review. Manage and triage the shared Benefits mailbox, responding to inquiries or redirecting requests to the appropriate resource. Prepare benefit vendor invoices for review and processing by the Senior Benefits Analyst. Coordinate with Accounts Payable to establish new benefit vendors as needed. Support the Senior Benefits Analyst with pet insurance remittances and related reconciliation activities. Maintain organized and accurate department files, records, and benefit plan documents. Health & Welfare Plan Administration Support the Senior Benefits Analyst with administration of health and welfare plans. Support the Senior Benefits Analysts with absence management administration and related compliance activities. Assist with HIPAA compliance activities, documentation management, and audit support. Coordinate with vendors on escalated enrollment, eligibility, and claims-related issues. Support annual enrollment planning, testing, validation, and implementation activities. Maintain accurate plan documentation and employee-facing materials. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Benefits Oversight Monitor and administer benefit provisions contained within collective bargaining agreements. Ensure benefit eligibility, contributions, and plan administration align with negotiated contract terms. Partner with HR, Labor Relations, Payroll, and Operations to resolve benefit-related CBA issues. Support preparation and analysis of benefits data required during bargaining activities. Benefits Communications & Team Member Engagement In partnership with Communications and Benefits Leadership: Coordinate execution of the annual wellness calendar and health promotion initiatives. Maintain and update benefits content within Dayforce, the HUB, and employee benefit portals. Develop and distribute benefit communications for new hires, open enrollment, wellness campaigns, and ongoing benefit initiatives. Coordinate vendor-led webinars, educational sessions, and training materials. Execute targeted communications related to preventive care programs, specialty benefits, and vendor-sponsored initiatives. Support employee benefit education and awareness campaigns to increase engagement and utilization. HR Technology & Benefits Systems Support Support benefits system testing for plan changes, annual enrollment, acquisitions, and other organizational initiatives. Conduct content reviews and quality assurance audits within Dayforce and related benefits platforms. Assist with implementation and testing of benefit rate changes and system configurations. Identify system issues and partner with HRIS, Payroll, and vendors to resolve discrepancies. Maintain controls to ensure accuracy of enrollment feeds and carrier integrations. Compliance & Audit Support Support internal and external benefit audits and compliance reviews. Maintain benefit-related records and documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements. Monitor operational processes to ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and applicable state regulations. Assist in preparing reporting and documentation required for regulatory filings, audits, and vendor reviews. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field or a combination of education and work experience preferred but not required Years of Experience: 2+ years of experience in benefits administration, HR operations, payroll, or related analytical roles. Experience working with HRIS platforms, preferably Dayforce. Experience supporting health and welfare benefit programs preferred. Exposure to collective bargaining environments is a plus. Skills & Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with advanced attention to detail. Ability to analyze large data sets and identify discrepancies, trends, and opportunities for improvement. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, formulas, and reporting. Strong organizational and project management capabilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of benefits regulations including HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and Section 125 preferred. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism. The information provided in this document provides an overview of the most common duties, qualifications, and demands of the position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of the role, and the duties, qualifications, and demands of the position are subject to change without notice. The expectations provided here may also be modified if an employee with a disability could effectively meet the expectations for the role with reasonable accommodation. The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $66,813-$91,868/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location. Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Maker's Pride