Benefits Manager & HR Business Partner

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets that has been voted as a Top 100 workplaces in the Chicago Tribune. Oil-Dri’s products are sold in the pet care, animal health, fluids purification, agricultural, sports field, industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri controls millions of tons of specialty mineral reserves, including calcium bentonite, attapulgite, and diatomaceous shale. The company’s mines and manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California. Oil-Dri is a family-controlled and operated organization that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability. The company is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals.

Role Overview

The Benefits Manager and HRBP role focuses on managing and enhancing the company’s benefits programs and supporting Corporate and our Innovation Center with HR business partnership. Reporting to the VP, Human Resources and closely collaborating with the VP, Compensation and Benefits strategizing to ensure benefit offerings meet teammate needs while managing costs effectively and also ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Program Development and Management

• Implement, and maintain teammate benefits programs (e.g., health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance), disability.
• Benchmark benefit offerings against industry standards to ensure competitiveness.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure programs comply with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, ADA, COBRA).
• Oversee audits, filings, and reporting requirements.
• Keep up-to-date with changes in legislation affecting benefits administration
• Maintains knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of teammates, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partners with the legal department as needed/required.

Cost Management and Analysis

• Monitor and analyze benefit program costs, trends, and utilization.
• Recommend cost-saving measures or changes to plans.
• Collaborate with finance and HR teams to align benefits strategy with company budget.

Vendor Relations

• Monitor vendor performance to ensure service quality and adherence to contracts.

Wellness Initiatives

• Develop and promote wellness programs to improve teammate health and productivity.
• Measure the effectiveness of wellness initiatives and adjust as necessary.

Teammate Communication and Support

• Serve as the main point of contact for all forms of Leave. Be the point of contact for the Leave management provider and our Corporate and IC teammates.
• Educate teammates about benefits options and updates through materials, workshops, and/or one-on-one sessions.
• Serve as the main point of contact for teammate benefits questions and issues.
• Develop communication strategies to maximize teammate engagement with available programs.
• Works closely with leadership & teammates to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Partner with hiring managers to identify organization needs, developing job descriptions collaborating with the HR Talent team. 
• Provide guidance and support for Corporate and Innovation Center teammate relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution and investigations.
• May provide input on training needs and/or programs to enhance teammate skills and knowledge.
• Utilize HR data and metrics to identify trends, assess effectiveness of programs, and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Implement initiatives to foster a positive work environment, enhance teammate engagement.
• Support organizational change initiatives by providing guidance on change management strategies and communication plans.
• Maintain active support & visibility to teammates.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Certifications:

• Professional certification (e.g., Certified Employee Benefits Specialist - CEBS) is a plus.
• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits management software.

Experience:

• 5+ years in benefits administration or Human Resources; leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of HR best practices, employment laws, and regulations.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Hybrid role based out of the Chicago office. Monday - Wednesday onsite required.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation

• Salary Range: $106,606 - $160,718

Benefits

• 401(k) with 6% match (Fully Vested at 2 Years)
• Annual Incentive Bonus
• Annual Merit increase opportunity
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 11 Corporate Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pre-Tax Transit
• Fitness & Gym Reimbursement
• Employer Contribution - Health, Dental, Vision

Oil-Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Accordingly, all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in workforce, and training, etc. will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity.