Benefits Manager Jobs in Illinois
Benefits Manager jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in corporate headquarters, large health systems, and financial services firms, and openings at every level from benefits coordinator through senior total rewards director. Chicago anchors the market, with additional volume in Naperville and Schaumburg, where major employers including Aon, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and United Airlines maintain substantial HR operations. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois right now are health and welfare plan administration, 401(k) and retirement program management, and leave compliance under Illinois and federal law. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 27+ Benefits Manager jobs
James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.
Summary
The Benefits Manager is responsible for the hands-on administration and management of James Hardie employee benefits programs. This includes overseeing health and welfare plans, retirement plans, leave management, wellness initiatives, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
In addition to day-to-day operations, the Benefits Manager supports the development and enhancement of benefits design by assisting in strategy and recommending improvements to meet organizational needs. The Benefits Manager ensures accurate and efficient processing, assists employees in understanding and utilizing their benefits, and conducts regular reviews for accuracy and improvement. This role reports to the Benefits Director and is based at the Chicago corporate office.
What You’ll Do:
Benefits Administration & Operations
- Provide oversight of employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and retirement plans.
- Ensure benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life events are processed accurately and efficiently through automated file feeds and integrated HRIS systems; monitor data flow and resolve exceptions in partnership with vendors and internal teams.
- Maintain governance over system integrations between internal HR platforms and external carriers to ensure seamless, compliant, and timely data exchange.
- Oversee leave of absence programs (e.g., FMLA, STD, LTD, parental leave), ensuring consistent application of policies across the organization and alignment with federal and state regulations.
- Collaborate with Finance to reconcile benefits billing and resolve discrepancies; ensure timely and accurate vendor payments.
- Conduct periodic audits of benefits data and system processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and optimal performance.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex benefits-related inquiries, partnering with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and FMLA.
- Coordinate and support the data collection process for outsourced government reporting requirements, such as Form 5500 and ACA filings, ensuring completeness and accuracy of information provided to external partners.
- Maintain documentation and records to support audits and regulatory reviews.
- Monitor legislative changes and assess impact on current benefit programs; recommend and implement necessary changes.
Vendor & Program Management
- Manage relationships with benefits providers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
- Participate in vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation.
- Coordinate with vendors to resolve service issues and improve employee experience.
- Evaluate benefit plan performance and recommend enhancements to improve cost-effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
- Coordinate the development and distribution of benefits communication materials, such as plan summaries, FAQs, and guides, by collaborating with relevant teams or vendors rather than creating these materials independently.
Strategic Planning & Analysis
- Assist in developing benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals and workforce needs.
- Work with consultants/brokers to benchmark benefits offerings against industry standards and recommend competitive enhancements. Support wellness and employee engagement initiatives tied to benefits programs.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration
- Strong understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
- Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (SuccessFactors, ADP, UKG) and benefits platforms (WEX).
- Exceptional organizational and administrative skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.
What You’ll Receive:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $130K to $150K. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits.
At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.
- Compensation: competitive compensation
- Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
- Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
- Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.
Summary
The Benefits Manager is responsible for the hands-on administration and management of James Hardie employee benefits programs. This includes overseeing health and welfare plans, retirement plans, leave management, wellness initiatives, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
In addition to day-to-day operations, the Benefits Manager supports the development and enhancement of benefits design by assisting in strategy and recommending improvements to meet organizational needs. The Benefits Manager ensures accurate and efficient processing, assists employees in understanding and utilizing their benefits, and conducts regular reviews for accuracy and improvement. This role reports to the Benefits Director and is based at the Chicago corporate office.
What You’ll Do:
Benefits Administration & Operations
- Provide oversight of employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and retirement plans.
- Ensure benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life events are processed accurately and efficiently through automated file feeds and integrated HRIS systems; monitor data flow and resolve exceptions in partnership with vendors and internal teams.
- Maintain governance over system integrations between internal HR platforms and external carriers to ensure seamless, compliant, and timely data exchange.
- Oversee leave of absence programs (e.g., FMLA, STD, LTD, parental leave), ensuring consistent application of policies across the organization and alignment with federal and state regulations.
- Collaborate with Finance to reconcile benefits billing and resolve discrepancies; ensure timely and accurate vendor payments.
- Conduct periodic audits of benefits data and system processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and optimal performance.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex benefits-related inquiries, partnering with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and FMLA.
- Coordinate and support the data collection process for outsourced government reporting requirements, such as Form 5500 and ACA filings, ensuring completeness and accuracy of information provided to external partners.
- Maintain documentation and records to support audits and regulatory reviews.
- Monitor legislative changes and assess impact on current benefit programs; recommend and implement necessary changes.
Vendor & Program Management
- Manage relationships with benefits providers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
- Participate in vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation.
- Coordinate with vendors to resolve service issues and improve employee experience.
- Evaluate benefit plan performance and recommend enhancements to improve cost-effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
- Coordinate the development and distribution of benefits communication materials, such as plan summaries, FAQs, and guides, by collaborating with relevant teams or vendors rather than creating these materials independently.
Strategic Planning & Analysis
- Assist in developing benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals and workforce needs.
- Work with consultants/brokers to benchmark benefits offerings against industry standards and recommend competitive enhancements. Support wellness and employee engagement initiatives tied to benefits programs.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration
- Strong understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
- Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (SuccessFactors, ADP, UKG) and benefits platforms (WEX).
- Exceptional organizational and administrative skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.
What You’ll Receive:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $130K to $150K. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits.
At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.
- Compensation: competitive compensation
- Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
- Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
- Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
See All 27 Benefits Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Benefits Manager JobsBenefits Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Benefits Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Accounting & Auditing
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Investment & Asset Management
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in benefits manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field required
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or SHRM-CP/SCP certification strongly preferred
- Three or more years administering group health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
- Working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, FMLA, and Illinois Insurance Code compliance requirements
- Experience managing open enrollment cycles and benefits vendor or broker relationships
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP, or Oracle for benefits administration
Benefits Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a benefits manager in Illinois?
Most benefits managers in Illinois enter through a human resources or benefits coordinator role and build up to management over several years. Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as a benefits manager, but employers expect at least a bachelor's degree in HR or business and a professional credential such as the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans or a SHRM certification. Familiarity with Illinois-specific leave laws and the Illinois Insurance Code strengthens a candidate's profile.
How much do benefits managers make in Illinois?
Benefits managers in Illinois earn a median of about $151,730 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $78,420 for the lowest 10% to over $235,730 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire benefits managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring benefits managers in Illinois right now include Marsh McLennan Agency, ADM, and Arup, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, large health systems, and regional insurance carriers means steady demand for experienced benefits professionals across multiple industries.
Which Illinois cities have the most benefits manager jobs?
Chicago, McHenry, and Illinois are the cities with the most benefits manager openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the bulk of volume through its dense cluster of corporate headquarters, major hospital networks, and financial services firms, while Naperville and Schaumburg attract openings because large employers in the northwest suburbs maintain significant HR and total rewards functions there.
Are there remote benefits manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many HR roles, because benefits administration is largely desk-based and system-driven. About 79% of benefits manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how well the work translates to distributed teams. Roles focused on plan analysis, vendor management, and open enrollment project coordination tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions requiring employee-facing benefits counseling are more often on-site.
How can I get hired as a benefits manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is starting as a benefits administrator or HR coordinator and moving into management once you have direct plan administration experience. Large Illinois employers such as Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Health Care, and major Chicago-area financial firms routinely post entry-level HR roles that include benefits exposure from day one. Earning the CEBS designation or completing SHRM coursework signals commitment and gives candidates without direct management experience a clear credential advantage. Moving laterally from payroll administration or HR generalist roles is also a common entry point.
Where can I find and apply to benefits manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to benefits manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated in real time. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 27 Benefits Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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