Benefits Specialist

We are looking for a Benefits Specialist to support the administration of health, welfare, retirement, and leave programs for a service-focused organization in Wisconsin. This contract-to-permanent opportunity is ideal for a knowledgeable, detail-oriented individual who can guide employees through benefit-related questions, maintain compliance, and partner effectively with internal teams and external vendors. The role requires strong attention to detail, hands-on benefits administration experience, and the ability to improve processes while ensuring accurate and timely support.

Responsibilities:

• Act as a primary resource for employees and internal partners on benefit eligibility, coverage details, retirement programs, and leave-related matters.
• Manage daily benefits operations by coordinating with payroll, monitoring vendor performance, and helping ensure smooth delivery of benefit and leave services.
• Address questions submitted through shared benefits channels, including support for new team members, qualifying life events, and annual enrollment activities.
• Help maintain regulatory compliance by reviewing benefit records, supporting required testing activities, and partnering with compliance stakeholders on changing federal and state requirements.
• Contribute to Open Enrollment by assisting with planning, system configuration reviews, testing, and employee communication efforts alongside cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Update benefits systems, plan-related documentation, and employee materials to keep information accurate, current, and easy to access.
• Recommend and implement improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen consistency, and enhance the employee experience within benefits processes.
• Create, refine, and maintain standard operating procedures for benefits and leave administration tasks to support accuracy and continuity.
• Oversee benefit payroll and arrears-related files, working closely with leave administration partners to ensure correct deductions, direct billing, reconciliation, and recovery support when needed.
• 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, benefits coordination, or compensation and benefits support.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave administration, and employee benefits operations.
• Experience supporting compliance activities related to benefits programs and working with audits, file reviews, or regulatory reporting processes.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to work with formulas, analyze data, and manage benefit-related reports.
• Familiarity with UKG Pro and benefits platforms used for enrollment, administration, and employee record maintenance.
• Ability to communicate clearly with employees, vendors, payroll partners, and internal stakeholders while handling sensitive information professionally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and process-driven responsibilities effectively.