Benefits Specialist

Overview Purpose The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration and support of employee health and welfare and wellness benefit programs. This position serves as a primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, assists with benefits enrollment and compliance activities, maintains benefits data integrity, and supports the Benefits Manager in ensuring the efficient and compliant administration of company-sponsored benefits programs. This position is hybrid: 4 days in-office, 1 day remote, in Des Plaines, IL. Salary: $54,204 - $79,000 This salary range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs, and other considerations permitted by law.  At NEU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the role's pay range. If you are detail-oriented, tactful, empathetic, apply today! You can send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Responsibilities Essential Duties Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and wellness initiatives. Process benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, beneficiary updates, qualifying life events, and leave-related benefit transactions in a timely and accurate manner. Serve as the first point of contact for employee benefit inquiries and provide guidance regarding plan provisions, eligibility, enrollment procedures, and claims issues. Coordinate with benefit vendors, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to resolve employee and administrative issues. Maintain accurate employee benefit records within HRIS systems and ensure data integrity between internal systems and vendor platforms. Assist with annual open enrollment activities, including employee communications, enrollment audits, system testing, and employee education sessions. Review and reconcile monthly vendor invoices and assist with benefits billing audits to ensure accuracy. Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting employee benefits, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and ACA requirements. Assist in the development and maintenance of benefits procedures, documentation, and employee educational materials. Support employee wellness and financial well-being initiatives as directed. Participate in benefits audits and provide documentation as requested. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Minimum 2-4 years of experience in employee benefits administration or Human Resources. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Working knowledge of employee benefit programs and applicable regulations, including COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, and FMLA. Strong customer service orientation with the ability to effectively assist employees and resolve benefit-related issues. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Experience with HRIS systems; UKG experience preferred. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Organization Relationships: Will work with all levels in the organization. Work Environment: (With or without accommodations) This position is predominantly sedentary office work, which involves sitting, typing, filing, and conversing on the phone. This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities and working conditions of the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. About Nippon Express USA Nippon Express Company, Ltd. (“NX”) was founded in 1872 in Japan and is headquartered in Tokyo. NX employs approximately 72,000 employees at 733 locations, in 47 countries and 314 cities around the world. Nippon Express U.S.A., Inc. (“NEU”) was incorporated in New York in 1962 as a fully owned subsidiary of NX. NEU provides logistics solutions and comprehensive transportation services through its international freight forwarding and logistics network, including specialized handling of: air, land, sea and express packages; all types and sizes of cargo; personal effects and household goods; fragile and perishable freight; and livestock. NEU also provides related services, such as warehousing, distribution and customs brokerage and clearance. NEU operates at 55 locations in 27 states within the U.S., with approximately 1300 employees. NEU has enjoyed tremendous growth and success as one of the top five international freight forwarders in the world. We connect people with products throughout the world. Nippon Express offers a generous Employee Benefits Package including: Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month after 30 days. 401k with a company match Flexible Spending Accounts, HSA, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Auto and Home policies, Commuter Benefits, and much more. Generous Vacation and Sick time. Nippon Express USA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.