Benefits Specialist, Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid)

Job Title: Benefits Specialist Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid 2 days in office (Thursday required; second day Tuesday or Wednesday) Duration: 6 months Job description: The Benefits Specialist will support large-scale health and welfare benefits projects, including a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) transition launching in January 2026 and a medical plan strategy initiative. This role focuses on data accuracy, process improvement, and project coordination to ensure the successful implementation of benefits-related initiatives. The specialist will work closely with internal HR partners, external vendors, and actuarial consultants to provide analytical and operational support. Key Responsibilities: • Support major benefits projects, including vendor transitions and medical plan strategy development. • Perform data analysis, reporting, and benefit census validation to ensure accuracy and compliance. • Pull and organize data from HR systems (e.g., Workday) and prepare detailed reports using Excel. • Assist with project documentation, including meeting notes, deliverables tracking, and ad hoc reporting. • Collaborate with team members, actuaries, and vendors to verify employee census data and maintain accurate benefit records. • Participate in weekly team meetings and support day-to-day project coordination activities. • Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the benefits function. Qualifications: • 5–7 years of experience in employee benefits, preferably as a Benefits Specialist, Benefits Analyst, or Benefits Administrator. • Experience supporting large employer health plans (5,000+ employees). • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, concatenate, data organization). • Experience with HR systems such as Workday preferred. • Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required; equivalent experience considered. • CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) certification a plus. Preferred Skills: • Experience with union environments or collective bargaining agreements. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a project-driven environment. • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Work Environment: • Collaborative and flexible team culture emphasizing accountability and open communication. • Standard business hours, approximately 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 40-hour work week. • Hybrid schedule: minimum two days per week onsite (Thursday required; second day Tuesday or Wednesday). • No travel or overtime required.