Benefits Manager

Position Summary

The Global Employee Benefits Manager is responsible for managing and continuously improving our employee benefits programs outside the United States while partnering on global benefits initiatives that support our Total Rewards strategy. This role works closely with the People, Finance, and Legal teams plus external partners to deliver competitive, compliant, and employee-centric benefits programs that support our global workforce. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in benefits management, program administration, and vendor partnerships, along with a passion for continuous improvement. While experience managing global benefits is valuable, we also welcome candidates with deep domestic benefits expertise who are excited to broaden their scope and build experience supporting employees around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Global Benefits Strategy: Evaluate and enhance benefits offerings to ensure market competitiveness, cost effectiveness, and compliance. Conduct regular benchmarking and market analyses to assess benefits trends and emerging practices across global markets. Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure benefits programs support talent attraction, retention, and employee well-being.
• Benefits Administration & Operations: Manage the administration of international benefit programs, including: health and medical plans, retirement and pension programs, life and disability insurance, wellness initiatives, leave and time-off programs, and supplemental and country-specific benefits. Oversee annual renewals, enrollment processes, and ongoing program administration. Ensure accurate benefits data management and coordination with payroll. Develop and maintain benefits policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Vendor & Broker Management: Manage relationships with global brokers, insurers, and third-party administrators. Monitor service levels and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure benefits programs comply with local regulations, employment laws, tax requirements, and reporting obligations in each country. Monitor legislative changes and assess impacts to existing programs. Partner with Legal, Finance, Payroll, and external advisors to mitigate compliance risks.
• Employee Experience & Communications: Maintain clear, employee-friendly materials that improve understanding and utilization of benefits programs. Partner with regional HR teams to address employee inquiries and provide benefits education. Support onboarding and life-event processes related to benefits.
• Analytics & Reporting: Prepare presentations and reporting for leadership and key stakeholders. Support benefits budgeting and forecasting activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of benefits experience, including expertise in benefits administration, vendor management, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience managing benefits programs, vendors, compliance, and cross-functional projects.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, build relationships, and manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotechnology, healthcare, life sciences, or high-growth technology environments.
• Experience supporting benefits implementations or expansion into new countries.
• AI & Digital Fluency: Demonstrate curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to critically evaluate and responsibly leverage AI-enabled tools in accordance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of work.

Pay

• Primary Location (Palo Alto, CA): $130,700 - $179,750
• Other US Locations: $111,095 - $152,788
• Colorado: $117,630 - $161,775

Schedule

Hybrid Work Model: All U.S. employees who live within 50 miles of a Guardant facility are required to be onsite on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.