Benefits and Employee Relations Specialist at Lac du Flambeau Business Development Corp – Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin

Company Overview: LDF Business Development Corporation is a dynamic and diverse conglomerate, leading various industries including manufacturing, retail, broadband services, online lending, radio broadcasting and more. We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Recruiter to join our team and drive our talent acquisition efforts.

Summary/Objective: The Benefits & Employee Relations Specialist is a key member of the Human Resources team responsible for the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of the organization’s employee benefits programs and employee relations practices.

This role serves as the subject matter expert for all benefit programs (excluding 401(k), where the role provides backup support), while also leading employee relations investigations, supporting workplace culture initiatives, and enhancing employee engagement through social and recognition programs.

Job Duties: Specific duties include, but are not limited, to the following:
1. Benefits Administration (Primary Focus)
•Administer all employee benefit programs including (but not limited):
-Medical, dental, vision, and EAP
-Life and AD&D
-Short-Term Disability (STD) & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
-Leave programs including FMLA, personal leave, and ADA coordination
-Workers’ Compensation coordination and case management
•Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution
•Manage open enrollment process end-to-end (planning, communication, education, execution)
•Ensure compliance with all applicable laws (FMLA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA)
•Maintain vendor relationships and coordinate with brokers and carriers
•Conduct regular audits of benefit eligibility, billing, and enrollment accuracy
•Develop and deliver employee education materials and benefit communications

2. Employee Relations & Investigations
•Lead and conduct employee relations investigations including:
-Workplace complaints
-Harassment/discrimination concerns
-Policy violations
•Partner with VP of Human Resources to resolve employee issues in a fair, consistent, and compliant manner
•Provide guidance to managers on conflict resolution, progressive discipline, and documentation
•Ensure investigations are documented thoroughly and handled confidentially
•Support development of policies and procedures aligned with organizational values

3. Leave & Risk Management
•Administer and track all FMLA and leave requests ensuring compliance and proper documentation
•Coordinate workers’ compensation claims, return-to-work programs, and accommodations
•Partner with managers to reduce risk exposure and ensure safe return-to-work transitions

4. Culture, Engagement & Social Committee Leadership
•Lead the company’s Social & Engagement Committee, including:
-Annual Summer Picnic
-Holiday/Christmas Party
-Employee recognition programs (monthly/annual)
•Develop creative, inclusive engagement initiatives aligned with company values (TRIBE)
•Manage event budgets, vendors, and event planning logistics
•Measure and improve employee engagement participation

5. Payroll & 401(k) Cross-Training (Backup Support)
•Cross-train with Payroll & 401(k) Coordinator to provide backup support including:
-Payroll processing fundamentals
-Benefit deductions and reconciliation
-401(k) coordination and compliance support
•Ensure continuity of operations during absences or peak periods

6. HR Operations & Continuous Improvement
•Maintain accurate HRIS data related to benefits and employee records
•Analyze benefits utilization and recommend improvements
•Support HR initiatives including audits, reporting, and compliance reviews
•Identify opportunities to enhance employee experience and streamline processes

Supervisory Responsibilities
•May lead committees or cross-functional initiatives but does not have direct reports

Other duties: Note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Core Values
T – Trust
•We act with honesty and integrity, building strong relationships.
R – Responsibility
•We are accountable for our actions and commitments.
I – Innovation
•We embrace creativity and forward-thinking solutions.
B – Belonging
•We foster an inclusive and supportive community.
E – Excellence
•We strive for the highest standards in all we do.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
•Strong knowledge of employment laws and benefits regulations
•Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment
•Excellent conflict resolution and communication skills
•High level of confidentiality and professionalism
•Strong organizational and project management skills
•Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Qualifications
Education & Experience
•Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience and education may be considered)
•2+ years of HR experience with knowledge in benefits and employee relations
•Human Resources Certification preferred (SHRM-CP, PHR, etc.)
•Knowledge of FMLA, STD/LTD, and workers’ compensation programs preferred
•Investigation experience preferred

Travel Requirements: Some travel is expected to business units, tribal events, and benefits functions.
Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment.
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners and printers.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must
be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing
the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a Full-time exempt position with a minimum of 40 hours per week
expected. The days of work are primarily Monday-Friday, during the hours of operation
from 8:00 – 4:30PM. Must attend all mandatory meetings and participating in trainings.

Native American preference will be applied to hiring of this position as defined in Title 25, U.S. Code, Chapter 14, Subchapter V, subsection 273 & 274. We are an equal opportunity employer with preference given to qualified Native American applicants in accordance with federal law and tribal policy.

Required Pre-Employment Screening: LDF Business Development Corp. is committed to a drug-free workplace. To qualify for this position, applicants must agree to pre-employment drug screening and potential random testing, as required thereafter.