HR Benefits & Insurance Specialist Location: Fort Wayne, IN Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt Company - Division: Do it Best - Human Resources Reporting to: Payroll & Benefits Supervisor Travel: 10% About the Role: As an HR Benefits & Insurance Specialist, you will play a key role in managing and administering benefits programs while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations. This position requires independent judgment, discretion, and decision-making in applying and upholding benefits policies and optimizing HR processes. You will serve as a strategic partner in benefits administration (predominantly wellness), employee education, and leave management (FMLA, etc.). The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with a strong ability to analyze regulations, develop process improvements, and guide employees through complex benefits issues. Key Responsibilities: + Benefits Administration & Strategy + Oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, disability, and wellness initiatives. + Analyze benefits utilization and trends to provide recommendations on program enhancements, cost-containment strategies, and employee engagement. + Serve as the primary contact for wellness benefits vendors (TPA for healthcare care offerings, third party insurance carriers for life/long-term disability benefits, custodian of HSA accounts, etc.). + Partner with the HR Leadership team through negotiating plan offerings, coordinating renewals, and ensuring competitive benefits programs. + Partner with HR leadership to develop and update benefits policies and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., ACA, COBRA, ERISA). + Monitor and track expenses/costs associated with wellness benefits, including health and Rx programs. + FMLA, Disability, and Leave Management + Manage the end-to-end FMLA and disability leave process, including reviewing employee eligibility, approving/denying claims, and tracking leaves in compliance with applicable laws. This process includes communicating with medical professionals as necessary and team members to ensure applicable materials are timely administered, reviewed and acted upon. + Provide guidance and education to employees and managers on leave policies, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and company guidelines. + Serve as the point of contact for complex leave cases, working with third-party administrators, legal counsel, and HR leadership as needed. + Ensure all documentation, tracking, and reporting are maintained in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. + Regulatory Compliance & Policy Application + Monitor and apply changes in employment laws related to wellness benefits, leave management, and payroll, ensuring company policies remain compliant. + Conduct internal audits on benefits administration, leave tracking, and payroll deductions to identify potential compliance risks. + Partner with HR leadership and HR generalists to develop, refine, and enforce policies that align with best practices and legal requirements. + Lead employee education initiatives to ensure team members fully understand their benefits and leave options. + Employee Engagement & Communication + Develop and implement employee education programs on benefits enrollment, wellness programs, and retirement planning in partnership with Payroll & Benefits Supervisor. + Act as a trusted resource for employees, providing guidance on benefits-related inquiries, claims issues, and eligibility concerns. + Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure clear, transparent, and proactive communication regarding benefit programs and regulatory changes. + Lead the coordination of annual open enrollment, including benefits presentations, vendor coordination, and system updates. + Process Improvement & HR Technology Optimization + Identify opportunities for efficiency improvements in benefits administration, compliance tracking, and HRIS processes. + Work with HR and IT teams to optimize HR technology, ensuring benefits administration systems are streamlined and user-friendly. + Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials to enhance consistency in benefits and compliance practices. Qualifications & Skills: + Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. + 3+ years of experience in benefits administration, leave management, or HR compliance. + Strong understanding of application of employment laws and regulations (FMLA, ADA, ACA, COBRA, ERISA). + Experience with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (UKG, ADP, Workday, etc.). + Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret policies and make independent decisions. + Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively educate employees and work with stakeholders at all levels. + Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. + Experience in process improvement and HR technology optimization is a plus. About Do it Best: We’re the only US-based, member-owned hardware, lumber, and building materials co-op in the home improvement industry. We proudly serve thousands of locations in over 50 countries, offering exceptional merchandise and services driving us to nearly $5 billion in annual sales. Our goal is to help our members grow and achieve their dreams. Culture: Each team member is valued as an individual - with their intrinsic value at the forefront. We prioritize your career growth through one-on-one training, conferences, tuition assistance, mentoring and more. We encourage authentic relationships by hosting social events and fostering a culture where lasting friendships are made. In fact, the three most valued aspects of being a part of the Do it Best team are the culture, the compensation, and the level of fulfillment that each team member experiences from their role. Our Philosophy: Serving others as we would like to be served Our Mission: Making the best even better Our Goal: Helping members grow and achieve their dreams Please note that for this role, relocation assistance is not available. Candidates should be willing and able to work in Fort Wayne, IN without the need for relocation support. We encourage local candidates or those already planning to move to the area to apply.