Benefits Specialist-Hybrid

Essendant is a purpose-driven company that reaches beyond business goals to define its success within commerce today. We support our associates, customers and communities – our core values and guiding principles shape what we aspire to do. Integrity, Collaboration, Customer-Centric, Embrace and Drive Change are our core values that serve as the foundation of our pathway to success. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Giving Back, Associate Safety, and Accountability are our guiding principles that motivate us to focus on creating a safe and rewarding experience. Essendant is a leader in supporting the supply chain industry and has been in business for 100 years to deliver the best practices for our customers and associates. Join us at Essendant, the better way to commerce.

Major Responsibilities:

• Prepares ongoing and ad hoc reports as requested.
• Compiles, prepares and processes a wide variety of confidential and sensitive associate information.
• Reviews cases assigned by HR Services as they relate to benefits and retirement.
• Process life events and other associate transactions within benefits platform and though vendor portals or direct vendor contact.
• On an as-needed basis, assist in creation and coordination of the delivery of associate benefit related communication materials.
• Assists in document preparation to support the team. This may include e-mails, memos, letters, presentations, plan documents, etc., to support administration of our various programs.
• Assist pension TPA with day-to-day case management for union and nonunion pension plans.
• Assist with internal and external auditor requests for pension and 401(k) plans.
• Assists with administration of 401(k) plan including preparation/analysis of vendor reports/feeds.
• Responsible for 401(k) funding reconciliation after every payroll. Responsible for reviewing and updating any errors on 401(k) file prior to funding is sent to Fidelity.
• Conducts audits on a monthly or quarterly basis on 401(k) plan to ensure loans are not defaulting, and all associate elections are reflected in HRIS timely.
• Assists with medical and other welfare and retirement plan administration including researching and responding to participant inquiries.

• Coordinates the organization, review, coding, approval and payment of invoices from various vendors, which support benefits activities for the organization.
• Provides support in the scheduling of meetings, conference calls, webinars, training sessions, etc., for benefits including emailing invite, providing set-up instructions, assisting with setup and sending meeting materials.
• Understands and demonstrates Essendant’s Core Values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail, follow up and problem resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) with ability to interact effectively with all levels through the organization.
• Must possess goal driven sense of urgency and customer service responsiveness, with ability to consistently meet or exceed deadlines on all projects and requests.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite skills.
• Confidentiality.
  
  

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of one year of experience required.
• Experience with UKG or other similar HRIS systems preferred.
  
  

Benefits:

• Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 401k with matching
• Company Holidays
• Overtime Pay for hourly employees
• Paid Vacation, Floating Holidays, and Sick Time
• Maternity and Parental leave benefits
• Employee discount
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
  
  

About Essendant

Essendant drives to be inclusive and celebrates diversity by starting with our associates. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. We strongly encourage candidates to apply for opportunities, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. At Essendant we are building an elevated community by creating a safe and supportive work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, including or based on age, race, color, disability, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. People are what drives our company. We are one team with endless possibilities. We are Essendant.