Human Resources Operations and Benefits Specialist

at Spencer Stuart in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Position Summary

Spencer Stuart is seeking a Human Resources Operations and Benefits Specialist for Spencer Stuarts internal Human Resources Team. The HR Specialist will support the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources function, providing critical operational support across key HR processes, specifically Benefits, Employee Relations, and Mobility/Immigration. Another Key function of this role will be to assist the HR Operations & Benefits Manager in building and maintaining key HR operational processes ensuring compliance across the organization. This role partners closely with HR Manager, Talent Partners, Compensation & Benefits Team, and external vendors to ensure a positive employee experience and compliance with U.S. employment regulations and benefit compliance. The ideal candidate has mid-career HR experience, exposure to employee relations management, U.S. immigration and visa processes, and hands-on experience supporting employee benefit plans.

Reports to:

Human Resources Operations and Benefit Manager

Other Key Relationships:

Vice President Human Resources

Directors Human Resources

Chief People Officer

Talent Partners

HR Generalists

Learning & Development Team

Compensation & Benefits Team

Internal Business Function Teams (Technology, Workday Operations, Legal, Marketing, Finance)

Location:

Chicago, IL (Hybrid/On-site as applicable)

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Compliance

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding HR policies, procedures, and programs, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Assist with Compliance initiatives and cyclical processes such as audits, and compliance reporting.
• Support the HR Operations & Benefits Manager with regular annual updates HR policy and procedure documents, and employee handbooks.
• Ensure all U.S. offices have the most current physical and virtual Labor Law Posters.
• Maintain CPR and AED certifications for the company every 2 years, or as required by applicable law through collaboration with external vendor.

Employee Relations Support

• Act as the first point of HR contact in receiving and reviewing employee relations complaints, concerns, and inquiries from employees, managers, Talent Partners, and/or firm leaders. (e.g., misconduct, harassment, retaliation, performance concerns). Assess severity, risk level, and urgency of cases.
• Assist in conducting impartial investigations into employee complaints (e.g., misconduct, harassment, retaliation, performance concerns). Interview employees, managers, and witnesses; gather relevant evidence.
• Work closely with the HR Operations and Benefits Manager to analyze findings, determine conclusions, and determine next steps forward based on facts and company policy.

U.S. Immigration & Visa Support

• Assist the HR Operations & Benefits Manager in supporting U.S. immigration and visa case administration (e.g., H-1B, TN, OPT, STEM OPT) in partnership with external immigration counsel.
• Track visa expiration dates, work authorization documents, and compliance-related deadlines.
• Help to review formal documents for visa filing to ensure 100% accuracy while maintaining confidentiality.

Benefits Administration

• Assist with the administration of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, and vision.
• Support open enrollment activities, benefits communications, and employee l
  
  
  
  Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
  
  

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