Benefits Coordinator

Sims Metal; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Metal Management is seeking a Benefits Administrator to oversee day-to-day administration of company benefit plans, enrollment, eligibility, and communications.

You will coordinate with vendors, run reports, ensure compliance with federal and state laws, and serve as a liaison for employees and HR. This role supports open enrollment, maintains documentation, and ensures accurate data flow between HRIS and payroll.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of corporate benefits experience in an organization with 300+ employees.
• Proficient in Excel and data reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of HRIS, payroll integration, and benefit laws.

Responsibilities

• Administer benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, FSA/HSA, commuter benefits, EAP, COBRA, and voluntary benefits.
• First point of contact for HR and employees on coverage, enrollment, eligibility, claims, and other benefit matters.
• Audit weekly benefit deductions and ensure proper payroll system alignment.
• Lead COBRA administration from enrollment through data entry and issue resolution.
• Prepare and distribute weekly reports to ensure timely enrollment and documentation for dependents.
• Audit records and eligibility periodically and assist with annual open enrollment projects.
• Prepare and maintain ad hoc data reports via the HRIS system.
• Maintain relationships with carriers, consultants, actuaries, brokers, and TPAs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws affecting benefits.
• Document administrative procedures for benefit processes and act as a Benefits Analyst backup.

Skills

Benefits administration

Excel

HRIS

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Tools

HRIS software

Payroll systems

Job description

Sims Metal Management is a global leader in metal and electronics recycling, dedicated to sustainability and responsible resource management. With over a century of experience, we play a crucial role in the circular economy, ensuring resources are available for future generations.

Summary of Position

Responsible for the day-to-day service, administration, and communication of benefit plans. Coordinate with benefit vendors, resolving issues regarding eligibility, enrollment, and claims issues, and oversee benefit systems.

Responsibilities

• Administer various benefit programs, which include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA plans, HSA accounts, commuter benefits, EAP, COBRA, and voluntary benefits.
• The first point of contact for HR and employees for various benefit issues such as coverage, enrollment eligibility, qualifying life event changes, claims, and other benefit matters.
• Audit weekly benefit deductions from the benefits admin system to the payroll system.
• Main point of contact for all COBRA-related matters, ranging from enrollment assistance to data entry in the carrier site to issue resolution.
• Process and maintain weekly reports to ensure employees enroll timely into plans and that supporting documentation is submitted for all covered dependents.
• Audits records and benefits eligibility periodically.
• Assists with annual open enrollment projects, including communications, system set-up, system testing, and enrollment into the system.
• Prepares, runs, and distributes ad hoc data reports through the HRIS system.
• Maintains relationships with insurance carriers, consultants, actuaries, brokers, record keepers, and third-party administrators.
• Responsible for understanding all applicable government laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels that impact employee benefits.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes.
• Responds to notifications from state agencies regarding medical support and verification of insurance.
• Serves as a backup to Benefits Analysts.
• Prepares and maintains employee benefit files.
• Performs all other assigned duties.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ Corporate Benefits experience in an organization with 300+ employees.
• Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, analytical, and customer service skills.
• Effective communication skills (written and oral).
• Must have a strong working knowledge of HRIS systems.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.