Benefits Analyst

Position Overview:

The Benefits Analyst at Caribou Coffee is responsible for designing, developing, and administering benefits programs that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. You'll collaborate closely with HR partners, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure our benefits offerings are competitive, compliant, and aligned with company values. This position plays a key role in educating team members about their benefits, driving engagement, and supporting the overall human resources strategy.

You will analyze, evaluate, and manage benefit programs including health and welfare, retirement, leave of absence, wellness, and voluntary benefits. You'll ensure programs are administered accurately and efficiently, while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Core Responsibilities:

Health & Welfare Benefits Administration

• Administer and support medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefit programs.

• Partner with vendors and brokers to ensure smooth operations and resolve escalated issues.

• Support annual open enrollment process, including system testing, communications, and employee support.

• Maintain and update benefits-related policies, procedures, and documentation.

• Monitor benefit utilization and trends to inform strategy and vendor management.

• Manage employee perks programs including sabbatical offerings, employee discounts, wellness offerings, and other non-traditional benefits, ensuring alignment with company culture and employee engagement goals.

Retirement & Financial Wellness

• Administer 401(k) and other retirement plans, including compliance testing, audits, and employee education.

• Partner with finance and payroll teams to ensure accurate contributions and reporting.

• Support financial wellness initiatives and resources for team members.

Leave of Absence & Compliance

• Support administration of leave programs including FMLA, ADA, parental leave, and other statutory or company-sponsored leaves.

• Act as an escalation point for complex leave cases or policy exceptions.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits and leaves.

• Conduct audits and reviews to ensure benefit programs are compliant and accurately administered.

Benefits Education

• Create and deliver training and communications to educate team members on benefit offerings.

• Maintain benefits content on internal platforms and ensure accessibility and clarity.

• Serve as a resource to HR partners and team members for benefit-related inquiries and guidance.

Data & Reporting

• Analyze benefits data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

• Prepare reports and dashboards for leadership and HR partners.

• Participate in benchmarking and surveys to assess competitiveness of benefits offerings, evaluate new benefit offerings and vendor solutions.

Skills and Requirements:

• Bring the Core Values to life in all that you do: Support One Another, Make Fun Happen, Be Yourself, Take Ownership, Serve with Love

• Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-informed recommendations

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for employee education and vendor coordination

• Ability to management multiple priorities, deadlines, and annual cycles

• Comfortable partnering with internal and external partners

• High level of accuracy in compliance, documentation, and reporting

• Responsive and empathetic

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

• 2-4 years' experience in benefits administration or total rewards

• Strong understanding of health & welfare benefits, retirement plans, and leave programs

• Familiarity with federal and state regulations including ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, and ADA

• Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration platforms

Preferred:

• Experience in a multi-state retail or QSR environment