Senior Benefits Strategy & Programs Leader

CDW; Illinois; On-site; USD 91,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

CDW seeks a Senior Benefits Specialist to drive Total Rewards and Benefits strategy, overseeing design, administration, compliance, communication, and continuous improvement of health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs.

The role partners with brokers, carriers, vendors, payroll, HR, and legal to ensure competitive, compliant, and cost-effective programs aligned with business objectives. Strong analytics, organization, and problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of employer benefits experience, or 9+ years in plan design/financial analysis.
• Strong knowledge of health plan design, administration, underwriting principles, and compliance (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA).
• Excellent verbal and written communication with stakeholders and leaders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to business needs.

Responsibilities

• Design health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs.
• Partner with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Assist with new programs, enhancements, and system integrations.
• Analyze plan utilization, participation, and costs.
• Develop and maintain benefit policies, procedures, and governance.
• Manage vendor relationships and conduct evaluations/RCs/RFPs.
• Monitor vendor performance and address escalations.
• Coordinate benefit communications and coworker education.
• Support audits, reporting, and compliance filings.
• Prepare reports and business cases for leadership.

Skills

Benefits design

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Stakeholder collaboration

Communication skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office (Copilot)

Data interpretation

Workday knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/finance/health administration/HR

Tools

Workday

Job description

CDW seeks a Senior Benefits Specialist to drive Total Rewards and Benefits strategy, overseeing design, administration, compliance, communication, and continuous improvement of health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs.

The role partners with brokers, carriers, vendors, payroll, HR, and legal to ensure competitive, compliant, and cost-effective programs aligned with business objectives. Strong analytics, organization, and problem-solving are essential.