Benefits Manager

Job Description Team: People Team / BenefitsSalary Range: $120k - $130k USDLocation: ChicagoThis role is aligned to our hub locations. While we’re especially interested in candidates in or near these areas, we welcome applications from outside of these locations as well.Opportunity for ImpactApplied is where insurance technology gets reinvented, and we build it fast. Our cloud software and AI-powered solutions reach thousands of agencies and brokers worldwide, setting the pace for what modern insurance can do.We’re looking for a Benefits Manager to join our People Team and lead the design and delivery of our benefits and wellness programs, along with the AI-enabled systems that keep them running smoothly. What You’ll DoImplement and manage benefit and wellness programs aligned to our total rewards philosophy, including open enrollment, vendor implementations, and M&A benefit integrationsCreate inclusive, AI-assisted benefits communications and resources that drive awareness, engagement, and utilization across the platforms employees useGovern benefits technology, including the HRIS benefit module, enrollment platform, and carrier feeds, and help shape our automation roadmap and human-AI decision boundariesBuild analytics dashboards and share utilization data and benchmark insights that inform plan design, vendor selection, and budget decisionsBuild strong relationships with benefit vendors, consultants, and administrators, and monitor regulatory changes that affect plan administrationKeep compliance documentation current and support ERISA activities, including 5500 preparation, plan document reviews, and discrimination testingWhat We’re Looking ForBachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Communications, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience), plus 5–8 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, benefits program management, or HRIS/benefits technologyProven project management experience leading cross-functional benefits initiatives end to end, from open enrollment to vendor implementations and system transitionsHands-on experience testing and administering a benefits module within a major HRIS platform (UKG strongly preferred)Working knowledge of federal and state benefit regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and ACAExperience managing benefits communications programs and employee engagement initiativesBonus points if you also have: CEBS or CBP certificationExperience with M&A benefit integrations or similar system and program transitionsFamiliarity with AI writing tools and an understanding of RPA and workflow automation conceptsTalent shows up in a lot of different ways, and we mean that. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experience levels, including military members and their spouses and those without a traditional degree or tech background. If this role speaks to you, apply.Why You’ll Like Working on Team AppliedThe best work happens when smart people move fast, together. For over 40+ years, Applied has built technology that solves real problems for insurance professionals - and we’re still pushing what’s possible.You’ll be part of our people-first culture built on trust, inclusion, and growth - where you’re supported to deliver, collaborate with teammates who care, and grow with leaders invested in your success.How We’ll Support YouWe invest in the whole person, not just the role. Our benefits and resources are built to support your health, your time, and your life outside of work:Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Holiday and Vacation Time Health & Wellness Days A Bonus Day for Your Birthday Compensation TransparencyOur targeted starting base salary in the United States for this position considers a variety of factors, including depth and breadth of experience, skills and role scope. Depending on the role, team members may also be eligible for additional compensation plans (bonus and commission).Your Security Matters Our candidates’ personal information and online safety are top of mind. Applied communicates with candidates only via a secure @appliedsystems.com email address or through our official careers portal. Recruiters will never request payments or ask for financial account or sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers.Background ChecksEmployment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment background checks and verification processes.AI UtilizationWe leverage AI tools to streamline parts of our recruitment workflow (such as resume parsing and interview scheduling). However, final decisions are always conducted by real humans.EEO Statement Applied Systems is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Diversity and Inclusion is a business imperative and is a part of building our brand and reputation. At Applied, we don’t discriminate, and we are committed to recruit, develop, retain, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid#LI-USJob Summary