Benefits Specialist

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Markets® and Gourmet Garage® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best in class procurement practices.

Your contribution

As the Benefits Specialist, you are responsible for the administration of group benefit programs, including group health, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending. You must be able to provide excellent customer service to all internal and external customers and support your team by assisting in special projects.

Key Stakeholders:

• Retail/Membership
• External Benefit Plan Service Providers (Vendors, Claims Administrators, Insurers, Brokers/Consultants)
• IT Division

What you will do

• Responds to inquiries with accurate, consistent and timely responses regarding Retail benefit related questions and issues
• Pulls reporting from internal and external reporting systems
• Maintains organization of benefit files, ensuring all required support documentation is received and filed in an established order
• Enters Benefit Elections into PeopleSoft via eForm to set up participant deductions and election.
• Coordinate and track enrollments between three systems PeopleSoft, Non PeopleSoft and Retail Benefits insurance System “RIBS”.
• Monitors vendor file feeds and corrects any deficiencies in HRIS/Vendor websites
• Provides support during annual open enrollment event, works with other team members to ensure changes are correctly communicated to various vendors.
• Prepares and processes vendor invoices and check requests as determined by the plans
• Prepares and processes member invoices for member Benefit Billings
• Ability to problem solve and communicate solutions clearly
• Provides back-up to department as needed
• Assists in various Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance requirements
• Travel to and present benefit information at member locations during Open Enrollment
• Assists with the development and maintenance of departmental procedures
• ADHOC reporting as requested
• Works with key team members in times of system upgrades and changes

What we’re looking for

• Associates degree and 1-3 years of equivalent benefits administration experience preferred
• Ability to prioritize and accomplish work under moderate to limited supervision
• Skilled in verbal and written communications, including telephone and email etiquette
• Utilizes good judgement and critical thinking skills to apply effective problem-solving techniques
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• General understanding of concepts, practices and procedures involved in administering employee benefits (e.g., COBRA, PPACA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.)
• Proven ability of working in a team environment
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
• Experience with PeopleSoft a plus
• Keen sense of detail and strong sense of urgency
• Valid driver’s license

How you will succeed

• Communicate Effectively
• Drive for Results
• Develop You
• Embrace Change
• Build Relationships
• Stay Competitive

How you will work

• Ability to work at a computer for prolonged periods of time
• Occasional travel to Member locations
• Hybrid schedule – work four days per week in Keasbey, NJ office. Flexibility to work fifth day at home

Company Perks

• Vibrant Food Centric Culture
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision package
• Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off
• Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being Program
• Corporate Training and Development University
• Collaborative team environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K
• Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer Involvement