Senior Benefits Lead: Multi-State & 401(k) Expert

Embedded Shishya; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Embedded Shishya in Chicago seeks an experienced HR Benefits Lead to own and expand our employee benefits function for a multi-state workforce. You will manage health and welfare programs, lead 401(k) administration, and partner with payroll, brokers, and vendors to deliver compliant, cost-effective benefits while improving the employee experience.

You will build scalable processes, controls, and communications to support rapid growth and a best-in-class benefits program across 30+ states.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive HR benefits experience with ownership of end-to-end benefits administration.
• Experience supporting a multi-state employee population across 30+ states.
• Deep knowledge of medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and voluntary benefit plans.
• Strong expertise in 401(k) administration, including retirement plan compliance, non-discrimination testing, annual reporting, and vendor management.
• Experience administering FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, long-term disability, and state leave programs.
• Strong understanding of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable benefits regulations.
• Experience partnering closely with payroll to ensure accurate benefit processing and compliance.
• Proven ability to establish and manage relationships with brokers and providers while evaluating plan design and cost-saving opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex benefits information for employees and leadership.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end administration of employee benefits programs across a multi-state workforce spanning more than 30 states.
• Manage all health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and voluntary benefits.
• Own the administration of the company's 401(k) plan, ensuring timely and accurate retirement plan administration, non-discrimination testing, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with payroll to ensure accurate deductions, benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and reconciliation of benefit data.
• Oversee leave administration, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability, long-term disability, and applicable state leave programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefits across multiple jurisdictions.
• Build strong relationships with insurance brokers, retirement plan advisors, and third-party administrators to negotiate plan design, control costs, and improve service levels.
• Analyze benefit utilization, market trends, and employee feedback to recommend enhancements to benefit offerings and translate complex benefit plans into clear communications.
• Develop scalable processes, documentation, and internal controls to support future team growth.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and escalated issues.

Job description

Embedded Shishya in Chicago seeks an experienced HR Benefits Lead to own and expand our employee benefits function for a multi-state workforce. You will manage health and welfare programs, lead 401(k) administration, and partner with payroll, brokers, and vendors to deliver compliant, cost-effective benefits while improving the employee experience.

You will build scalable processes, controls, and communications to support rapid growth and a best-in-class benefits program across 30+ states.