Benefits Specialist

American Crystal is looking for a motivated individual to join the administration team as a Benefits Specialist at the corporate office. The benefits specialist administers employee leave of absence, disability, and retirement programs, ensuring accurate administration and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role serves as a primary resource for employees and leaders, maintains confidential records, and collaborates with Human Resources, Payroll, Occupational Health, and Retirement Partners to support leave, return-to-work, and retirement processes. The principal accountabilities include, but are not limited to: Lead and promote a positive work culture through Company Values of Safety, Integrity, Quality, Teamwork, and Accountability. Leave of Absence & Disability Administration Administer and manage employee leave and disability programs, including FMLA, ADA, state leaves, parental leave, military leave, and company‑specific policies. Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and HR regarding leave and disability questions, providing timely guidance and support. Receive, review, and process leave requests and documentation, along with Occupational Health for medical leave approval; issue required notices, letters, and communications. Track continuous and intermittent leave, including paid and unpaid time, ensuring accurate records, reporting, and system updates. Partner with Payroll and HRIS to ensure accurate pay, benefits continuation, and system processing during leaves. Maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations and recommend policy or process updates as needed. Retirement Administration Administer retirement and pension programs in partnership with the retirement plan provider. Communicate retirement information to eligible participants and respond to employee and retiree inquiries. Assist with pension estimates and retirement documentation. Coordinate with actuaries on pension pay report reconciliation, year‑end reconciliation, and required funding notices. Manage retirement and service awards programs. Wellness & Program Support Support the administration and communication of the company's wellness program, including challenges and biometric screenings. Compliance, Reporting & Continuous Improvement Maintain confidential electronic and manual records; generate routine and ad hoc reports. Review and audit leave files for accuracy and compliance and investigate potential misuse or fraud. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, compliance, and the employee experience across benefit programs. Provide backup coverage for the Benefits Administrator. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

To be successful in this position requires knowledge of human resources and leave programs typically gained through the completion of a associate's degree in Human Resources, Business or related field with, 3-5 years leave/benefits administration experience, strong FMLA/ADA and state leave knowledge, HRIS/payroll systems, excellent organization skills, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities, communication skills, and ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgement. Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Compensation Range:

$74,074.25 - $92,592.81

Annual Salary Benefits Include:

Our benefits include eligibility for comprehensive medical insurance starting on day one. In addition, we offer a health savings account, 401(k) retirement savings plan with a Company match and contribution, paid dental insurance paid basic life insurance, paid short and long-term disability, vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, paid sick leave, paid parental leave, paid volunteer opportunities and paid holidays. We also offer discretionary bonuses, tuition reimbursement, service awards, and a 24/7 employee assistance program with access to eight confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost. Some of these benefits are subject to eligibility criteria. We are proud to offer such a comprehensive package to our employees and believe that it reflects our commitment to their well-being and success. An Equal Opportunity Employer Our Cooperative Grows Opportunity. American Crystal Sugar Company is more than just a sugarbeet cooperative. Our company is deeply rooted in the communities of the Red River Valley. We are committed to the sustainability and growth of our business and to improving lives in the places where we work and live. We do that by investing in our people, our communities, and the future of our company. At American Crystal Sugar Company, growers who grow and harvest the sugarbeets also own the company and the factories that make our products. We're proud to be an economic engine for our communities, employing approximately 1,600 full-time employees and about 900 hourly seasonal workers and many more contracted third-party workers. Together, we build a better future for the sugar industry and the Red River Valley. Everything We Do Benefits Our Growers and Our Communities. Our valued team members can access a variety of benefits to enhance their health, wellness, and financial security. Learn more by clicking the link below: https://www.crystalsugar.com/careers/sweet-benefits/