Benefits Specialist

Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” or the “Company”) is a dynamic $850+ million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity-driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long-term vision. At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

Job Summary:

The Benefits Specialist at Ocean State Job Lot ("OSJL" and "Company") plays a strategic and operational role in administering, analyzing, and optimizing the Company’s comprehensive associate benefits portfolio. This position manages the day-to-day operations and administration of health, dental, life, disability, 401(k), COBRA, FSA, and wellness programs. This role ensures seamless enrollment, fiscal accuracy, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and strong vendor performance while providing exceptional customer service to associates and stakeholders across the corporate, distribution center, and stores business landscape.

Vendor & Operations Management

• →Serve as the primary liaison for third-party benefits vendors and providers (e.g., medical, dental, 401(k), COBRA, FSA).
• →Audit vendor performance against service level agreements and exercise independent authority to resolve underperformance, billing discrepancies, and administrative disputes.
• →Maintain accurate, up-to-date associate benefit records and oversee efficient enrollment and claims handling processes.

Financial Oversight & Auditing

• →Lead quarterly and recurring audits of benefits administration and payroll systems to ensure benefit deductions, elections, and vendor charges are accurately and timely reconciled.
• →Oversee the reconciliation process for monthly billings and vendor charges to maintain data integrity and fiscal accountability.

Open Enrollment & Program Implementation

• →Lead and coordinate the annual “Open Enrollment” process across all locations, including developing communication strategies, materials, and project timelines.
• →Manage the launch, rollout, and change-management communication of new benefit offerings to supply chain associates, store associates, and corporate teams.
• →Evaluate current benefit offerings, analyze associate feedback and data, and recommend improvements.

Associate Service & Stakeholder Consultation

• →Provide outstanding customer service by addressing associate inquiries and serving as a subject matter expert for complex benefit issues.
• →Advise management on benefit-related matters, policies, and procedures.
• →Partner with internal teams (e.g., Legal, Payroll) to resolve sensitive benefit claims, formal complaints, or complex inquiries while mitigating risk.

Compliance & HRIS Technology

• →Serve as the functional subject matter expert for the Benefits Administrator Module within the HRIS platform.
• →Utilize various software tools for data reconciliation, financial modeling, and reporting.
• →Maintain a deep understanding of relevant state and federal laws (including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and ACA) to ensure all plans and administrative procedures remain fully compliant.
• →Support leadership by acting as a point of contact and lead for benefit-related decision-making in the absence of departmental management as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required (or equivalent combined education and progressive experience).
• 4 or more years of progressive experience in benefits administration, benefits analysis, or total rewards administration is required. 
• High proficiency with HRIS platforms (specifically Benefit modules), is required. 
• Proficiency in Google Platforms (i.e., Sheets, Slides, Docs, Drive, Sites) is required.  
• Thorough working knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, as well as federal and state benefit regulations is required. 
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex financial and benefit information clearly to individuals at all levels of the organization from field staff to leadership is required.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously is required.
• Fluency in English required; secondary language skills are preferred.

• Works primarily in a climate controlled environment with minimal safety and health hazard
  potential. 
• Hybrid work option: Some work may be completed outside of the Company locations, with at least three (3) days a week in the Corporate Office. The role is responsible for setting up a professional and ergonomically safe work environment and to be available during working hours.  Hybrid work options are not guaranteed and are subject to change at any time based upon Company policy, associate performance and business needs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This job description does not list all the duties of the job.  You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other job duties and tasks, some of which may be essential to the position.  Leadership has the right to revise this job description at any time.  The job description is not a contract, either express or implied.  You are an at-will employee, meaning either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without notice.