Benefits Manager in Chicago, Illinois at PwrQ Holdings LLC

Position Summary:

Benefits are an important component of our Total Rewards strategy which drives performance, makes Forgent an employer of choice and empowers our employees to live their best lives. We are looking for a Benefits Manager to join our Total Rewards team. The ideal candidate for this role should exhibit strong problem-solving, communication, and influencing skills across all stakeholders. You will be accountable for the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of our employee benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and paid time off policies. You will partner closely with Human Resources leadership, as well as internal teams in Finance, Legal, HRIS and Payroll, to ensure programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with business needs while delivering a positive employee experience.

This hybrid role is based out of Columbus, OH or Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Primary duties & responsibilities:

• Lead the administration and ongoing optimization of all employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and paid time off programs.

• Serve as the subject matter expert on benefits strategy, plan design, and compliance, ensuring alignment with company objectives in a publicly traded, high-growth environment.

• Play a key role in the planning and execution of a multi-year benefits harmonization strategy, integrating legacy programs from recently combined entities into a cohesive, scalable Total Rewards framework.

• Partner with senior HR leadership to evaluate and enhance benefit offerings to ensure competitiveness within the manufacturing industry and broader labor market.

• Manage relationships with external vendors, brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators; drive performance, cost efficiency, and service excellence.

• Oversee annual benefits processes including open enrollment, plan renewals, vendor negotiations, and employee communications.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA), including oversight of required filings, audits, and plan documentation.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, HRIS and Payroll to ensure accurate plan administration, cost tracking, and alignment with financial and governance requirements.

• Analyze benefits utilization, trends, and costs; provide data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership to support strategic decision-making.

• Develop and deliver clear, engaging employee communications and education programs to enhance understanding and utilization of benefits.

• Act as a hands-on leader and individual contributor, capable of both strategic planning and day-to-day execution.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Benefits, with strong expertise in health and welfare and retirement plan administration.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required; relevant certifications (e.g., CEBS, CBP) preferred.

• Experience working in a publicly traded company and/or high-growth environment.

• Demonstrated experience supporting benefits integration or harmonization efforts, particularly in M&A or post-acquisition environments.

• Deep knowledge of applicable benefits laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and Section 125.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights and recommendations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex benefits concepts into clear, employee-friendly messaging.

• High level of organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

• Demonstrated ability to operate as a hands-on individual contributor while also thinking strategically and driving initiatives forward.

Disclaimer

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Forgent Power reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Forgent Power is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.

#LI-KW1