Job Description

Note: The pay range is $26.57 - $29.52 / hour DOE

WHO ARE WE?

• We are a long-standing organization dedicated to supporting grocery retailers across the Intermountain West for over 80 years.
• Our company prioritizes our team members, their families, and the communities we serve.
• We proudly partner with local organizations to fundraise, donate, and sponsor various charitable activities and events.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM?

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), vacation, and sick leave for eligible team members. Some benefits have waiting periods (e.g., vacation accrual, 401(k), tuition reimbursement).
• Perks & Discounts: Team member perks and 10% off groceries.
• Flexible Work: Hybrid schedules available for select positions, combining in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within the company.
• Daily Pay: Access earned wages more frequently.

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefit plans. This Human Resources role manages benefits enrollment, eligibility reviews, employee communications, open enrollment activities, ACA compliance, and HRIS benefits administration. The Benefits Specialist serves as a primary resource for employees regarding benefit plans, claims, plan changes, and retirement programs while ensuring accurate data management and regulatory compliance. Working closely with employees, managers, insurance carriers, brokers, payroll, and HR partners, this role supports benefit operations, employee education, reporting, audits, and process improvements. The ideal candidate will have experience in employee benefits administration, HRIS systems, open enrollment, compliance, and customer-focused HR support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, voluntary benefits, and 401(k) retirement plans.
• Manage benefits enrollment, qualifying life events, status changes, terminations, and eligibility administration through HRIS and benefits platforms.
• Conduct benefits audits and data validation to ensure accurate employee benefits records and compliance with company policies.
• Support annual open enrollment planning, employee education, benefits communications, and enrollment activities.
• Respond to employee and manager inquiries regarding benefits plans, claims, coverage options, eligibility requirements, and retirement programs.
• Monitor ACA eligibility requirements and assist with benefits compliance initiatives, reporting, and documentation.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers, brokers, vendors, payroll, and HR teams to resolve benefits-related issues.
• Maintain employee benefit plan documents, communications, summaries, and educational resources.
• Prepare benefits reports, reconciliations, billing audits, workforce analytics, and enrollment tracking reports.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefits administration processes, HRIS functionality, and employee experience.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in benefits administration, human resources, payroll, compensation and benefits, or related HR functions.
• Experience with employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave administration, and voluntary benefits.
• Knowledge of ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, Section 125, and other employee benefits compliance regulations.
• Experience using HRIS systems, benefits administration software, payroll systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of benefits enrollment, open enrollment processes, employee communications, and vendor management.
• Excellent customer service, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Professional certifications such as CEBS, CBP, PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar credentials preferred.

Physical/Sensory Demands

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and requires prolonged sitting, frequent typing, extensive computer use, and operating standard office equipment.
• The position requires constant verbal communication, listening, and responding to employees, vendors, and business partners.
• Frequent use of HRIS systems, benefits administration platforms, spreadsheets, and reporting tools is required.
• Regular walking and standing may be required when conducting meetings, training sessions, new-hire orientations, and open enrollment events.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of materials weighing up to 25 pounds may be required.
• Occasional travel may be required for training, meetings, or benefits-related events.

Join us as a Benefits Specialist and play a key role in supporting our team members through exceptional benefits administration, employee service, and compliance while helping create a positive employee experience.

Associated Food Stores is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.