Total Rewards Specialist

About Our Company

At Lids Sports Group, we don’t just sell hats — we fuel fandom. As the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, we bring sports, fashion, and culture together in more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lids delivers premium, fan-driven products and unforgettable retail experiences.

Our stores feature officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional teams, alongside top brands like Champion, Nike, New Era, Lululemon Athletica, and Mitchell & Ness. We’re also the industry leader in on-demand customization, offering in-store embroidery that turns everyday gear into one-of-a-kind statements.

From specialty concept stores for the NBA and NHL, to iconic clubhouse destinations for the Yankees and Dodgers, we create immersive retail experiences that celebrate the teams fans love. Through collaborations with brands like Marvel, Peanuts, and The Walt Disney Company, Lids continues to redefine how fans represent their teams — in style.

General Position Summary

The Total Rewards Specialist is responsible for the administration, execution, and support of the organization’s total rewards programs, including health and welfare benefits, retirement plans (401(k)), and related compensation programs. This role ensures program accuracy, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and a positive employee experience, while partnering closely with HR, payroll, finance, and external vendors.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, COBRA, and FSA/HSA plans.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing accurate and timely guidance.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment processes, including system configuration, employee communications, and vendor coordination.
• Ensure benefit plans are administered in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA).

• Administer the company’s 401(k) and retirement savings plans, including eligibility tracking, enrollments, contribution changes, loans, and distributions.
• Partner with recordkeepers, trustees, and payroll teams to ensure accurate contributions and reconciliations.
• Support annual nondiscrimination testing, audits, and required filings (e.g., Form 5500).
• Assist with retirement plan communications and employee education initiatives.

• Maintain accurate employee rewards data within HRIS and benefits administration systems (e.g., UKG Ready or similar platforms).
• Support benefits and retirement plan audits by gathering documentation and responding to auditor requests.
• Monitor vendor performance and assist with issue resolution and service improvements.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of benefits policies, procedures, and employee-facing materials.

• Prepare routine and ad hoc reports related to benefits participation, costs, and compliance.
• Assist with benchmarking, plan evaluations, and cost analysis to support total rewards strategy.
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative efficiency and employee experience.

Job Required Knowledge & Skills

• Benefits and retirement plan expertise
• Compliance and audit readiness
• Employee service orientation
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication

Job Required Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of experience in benefits and/or total rewards administration.
• Hands-on experience administering health and welfare benefit plans and 401(k) retirement plans.
• Working knowledge of benefits-related laws and regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA).
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Experience in a multi state or retail organization.
• HRIS and benefits system experience (UKG Ready preferred).
• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) or similar certification.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment
• 401(k) plan with company match after 90 days, fully vested from day 1
• 100% employer-paid benefits, including short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Competitive annual bonus opportunity
• Generous employee discount and exclusive perks
• Attractive paid time off package including holidays and floating holidays
• Flexible summer hours opportunity for eligible employees
• Ongoing career development and professional training, including discounted secondary education courses and certification reimbursement for select departments.
• A collaborative, innovative, and team-oriented work environment
• Early Wage Access options to provide added financial flexibility
   

Physical Demands and Requirements

• Ability to constantly sit at a desk in a sedentary work environment
• Ability to frequently communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to view electronic/written materials and adjust focus when needed (i.e. computers screens, documents, etc.)
• Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally stand and walk throughout the office.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally present information to small and large groups, including team members and leadership.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Work Environment

• Onsite office work environment.
• Standard business hours from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., flexibility may be provided upon request.

Reports To

Director, Human Resources