Benefits Specialist

Job Ref: 178246 Location: Providence, RI 02903 Location Flexibility: Remote Category: HR Job Type: Full-time Job Status: Non-exempt Anticipated Closing Date: Sept. 4, 2026 Pay Basis Hourly Pay Range $47300.00 - $95300.00 Annually ($22.74 - $45.82 Hourly) Brand UNFI

What does it mean to be a part of our HR Corporate team?

While providing remote support to our national colleagues, our HR Corporate team ensures effective execution of human resources strategies and strategic HR planning. This includes areas such as Talent & Culture, Workforce Planning, Talent Acquisition, Engagement & Events, Recognition, Performance Management, Organizational Development, Learning & Development, Associate Relations, Compensation, DEI, Benefits & Wellness, Labor Relations, and Philanthropy. In addition, this team plays a pivotal role in our current transformation journey. They are instrumental in helping to develop, train, and retain the right talent, that is fully engaged with this strategy, as well as embodying a true "people first" mindset to help drive UNFI's company culture of collaboration and engagement.

Purpose:

Responsible for the day-to-day administrative support for HR Benefit programs including Health and Welfare Plans, Retirement plans, Voluntary Benefits and computerized records maintenance. May conduct research within well-defined parameters and compile statistical data for management's use. Works independently on assigned benefit program projects, invoicing, and select vendor programs. Provides integral support for benefit plan governance committees.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and communicate the company's benefits program, such as medical, dental and vision, life and disability insurance, spending accounts, wellness programs, and more.
• Collaborate with benefits vendors, insurance providers, and HRIS/Benefits Administration vendors, ensuring smooth operations.
• Perform regular audits of benefits data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Oversee the reconciliation of reports and vendor invoices.
• Prepare and compile reports on benefits usage, costs, and trends for management review.
• Develop and maintain benefit process and procedure documentation.
• Resolve administrative problems with vendor representatives and internal partners.
• Handle benefits-related queries from associates and Human Resources.
• Assist in marketing and communicating the company's health and welfare benefits programs, including associate understanding of programs and plan options, policies, enrollment, and other requirements.
• Coordinate and conduct associate information presentations, enrollments, and other related educational sessions regarding benefits programs.
• Coordinate workflow between Total Rewards - Benefits, vendors, and other departments.
• May lead vendor and program implementations.
• Ensure benefits programs are compliant with legal requirements.
• Performs other job duties as required.

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business, Finance, Statistics, or a related field required.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification or coursework preferred.

Experience

• 3-5 years of HR or benefits-related experience required.

Knowledge Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local benefits laws and regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA, and Section 125 requirements.
• Proficiency in HRIS and benefit administration platforms like PeopleSoft, Empyrean, Workday or Oracle, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of various types of insurance plans and benefit options.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with associates, management, and vendors.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and partner with other departments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.
• Some travel may be required (up to 10%).
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at the desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during the normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

#LI-REMOTE

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Company: United Natural Foods Inc.

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state/provincial and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), Click HERE for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program (or retirement savings plan if in Canada); medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account (U.S. only), subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate's first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $680 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI's commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors.

UNFI's compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company's sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act or for Canadian applicants in accordance with provincial human rights legislation.