Lead Benefits Specialist

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory seeks a Lead Benefits Specialist to provide strategic benefits leadership within the Total Rewards team. You will partner with the Employee Benefits and Systems Manager, oversee RFPs, negotiate with brokers, and drive program improvements in a confidential lab setting.

Strong knowledge of benefits administration and regulatory compliance is required. The role emphasizes cross‑functional collaboration, data analysis, and experience with Workday.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Human Resources or related field with 6+ years of benefits experience.
• Knowledge of HR practices and administration.
• Ability to interpret and implement Argonne’s HR policies.
• Experience leading vendor RFP processes and benefit implementations.
• Self-insured benefits administration, health and retirement plan understanding.

Responsibilities

• Lead RFP processes and vendor evaluations to select and implement benefits vendors.
• Monitor program utilization and identify trends to drive improvements.
• Collaborate with brokers and vendors to ensure efficient benefit program operations.
• Support annual open enrollment planning and execution, including communications and testing.
• Maintain plan documents, SPDs, and SBCs reflecting current design.
• Manage benefits vendor relationships and issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, etc.).

Skills

RFP processes

vendor evaluation

benefits administration

data analysis

communication skills

confidentiality

Workday

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

Workday

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

As a member of the Human Resources Services (HRS) organization, the Lead Benefits Specialist provides strategic benefits partnership to the broader Total Rewards team and the lab. The Lead Benefits Specialist works closely with the Employee Benefits and Systems Manager to provide benefit programs and initiatives that support the lab’s mission and helps attract and retain Argonne’s world‑class community of talent. This role requires a high degree of confidentiality, sound judgment, discretion, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex research environment. The Lead Benefits Specialist performs responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead RFP processes and vendor evaluations, to select and implement benefits vendors and solutions.
• Monitor program utilization and identify trends, bringing forward recommendations for process improvements, operational efficiency, and enhanced program design or employee experience.
• Encourage employee feedback on benefits programs and services, incorporating input into program improvements and responding to stakeholders as appropriate.
• Partner with our benefits broker and outside vendors to ensure benefits programming operates efficiently.
• Contribute to Benefits projects, including system enhancements and annual open enrollment planning and execution.
• Support annual open enrollment activities including employee communications, system testing, education sessions, and issue resolution.
• Partner with Employee Benefits and Systems Manager on complex or sensitive employee cases (appeals, eligibility conflicts, etc.) requiring judgment beyond standard procedure.
• Maintain working knowledge of Workday benefit processes.
• Ensure accuracy of plan documents, SPDs, and SBCs to ensure they reflect current plan design.
• Collaborate with Accounting/Payroll, Legal and other areas of HRS as needed.
• Execute benefits compliance projects with applicable government regulations, including, but not limited to required annual reporting (5500s, NDTs, ACA, 401(k) plan audit).

Position Requirements

• PA4: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources (or equivalent), or Business, or related field and 6+ years of experience in employee benefits, with a track record of strategic program analysis and process improvement.
• US citizenship: To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
• Knowledge of HR practices and administration.
• Ability to interpret and implement Argonne’s Human Resources, Laboratory and Division policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to lead RFP processes, including vendor selection, evaluation criteria, and implementation.
• Solid understanding of self‑insured benefits administration, health plans, and retirement plans.
• Experience working with benefits brokers, including data analysis to support plan performance and decision‑making.
• Demonstrated ability to manage benefits vendor relationships, ensuring effective plan administration, service delivery, and timely issue resolution.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements affecting employee benefits programs, including FMLA, ADA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, DOL and EEOC.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment, including anticipating business and HR partner needs and proactively bring forward solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. (Intermediate Excel skills preferred).
• HRIS experience (Workday preferred. CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP, or related certification preferred).
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork.

Job Family Professional Administrative (PA) Job Profile Employee Benefits 4 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $95,250.00 - $148,590.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

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