Benefits Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced Benefits Lead to help drive the administration and delivery of employee benefit programs during an exciting time of integration and transformation. This critical role will partner closely with employees, managers, HR Business Partners, Payroll, People & Culture, vendors, and leadership teams to build out project plans, drive transformation and ensure the effective administration, communication, and compliance of U.S. benefits and leave programs. They will measure success by delivering a high-quality employee experience, maintaining operational excellence, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, and continuously improving benefits and leave administration processes.
Work Location: This is a flex role based in Las Vegas, NV,  Reno, NV, Chicago, IL or Austin, TX. 

Benefits Administration
   Administer health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs for U.S.-based employees, including helping to lead and design ongoing transformation and integration of company benefits.
   Process benefits transactions and ensure accuracy and integrity of employee benefits data.
   Coordinate with vendors, Payroll, People & Culture, and internal stakeholders to support benefits administration activities.
   Support annual open enrollment activities including employee communications, system testing, education sessions, and issue resolution.
   Own benefits continuation and employee communications during leave events.
   Respond to employee and manager benefit inquiries while delivering a high level of customer service and support.
Leave of Absence (Vendor-Supported Model)
   Serve as one of the primary points of contact for employees and managers regarding leave-related inquiries and processes.
   Coordinate leave cases with external vendors, ensuring timely initiation, case management, and resolution.
   Act as liaison between employees, managers, vendors, Payroll, and People & Culture throughout the leave lifecycle.
   Monitor leave cases from initiation through return-to-work while ensuring timely follow-up and communication.
   Review vendor outputs and leave documentation for accuracy and escalate discrepancies or concerns as appropriate.
   Coordinate return-to-work activities, communications, and system updates.
   Support accommodations processes in partnership with People & Culture and Legal teams.
Compliance & Risk Management
   Follow established benefits and leave administration processes, policies, and standard operating procedures.
   Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation and records related to benefits and leave administration.
   Escalate potential compliance concerns, risks, or process gaps to appropriate stakeholders.
   Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and company policies.
Systems & Service Delivery
   Utilize SuccessFactors, ServiceNow, and vendor systems to support benefits and leave administration activities.
   Ensure data integrity, process accuracy, and adherence to service level agreements (SLAs).
   Maintain and audit employee records within HRIS and benefits systems to support operational excellence.
Continuous Improvement
   Maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and knowledge base materials.
   Identify opportunities for process improvement, operational efficiency, and enhanced employee experience.
   Support benefits and leave administration standardization initiatives across the organization.
   Participate in projects, system enhancements, and process improvement initiatives as needed.

   Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
   6-9 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, leave administration, HR operations, or total rewards support.
   Strong knowledge of U.S. employee benefits programs, leave administration practices, and compliance requirements.
   Experience working within a vendor-supported leave administration model preferred.
   Experience utilizing HRIS, case management, and benefits administration systems such as SuccessFactors and ServiceNow.
   Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
   Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.
   Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
   Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
   CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP, or related certification preferred.

• Opportunity to support employees through impactful benefits and wellness programs within a global organization.
• Exposure to enterprise-wide HR transformation and integration initiatives.
• Collaborative environment focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and employee experience.
• Career development opportunities within a growing Total Rewards and HR organization.