Benefits Manager

Primary Function

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic design, administration, compliance, and ongoing evaluation of all employee benefit programs for the Company and its subsidiaries. This role ensures programs are competitive, cost effective, compliant with all applicable state and federal regulations, and administered with strong internal controls. The position partners closely with Finance, Internal Audit, Legal, and benefits leadership to ensure alignment on strategy, compliance, audits, and operational execution.

Essential Functions

• Leadership & Program Oversight

  • Lead the design, implementation, administration, and governance of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, leaves of absence, wellness programs, service awards, and time-off programs
  • Manage and develop benefits staff, including work prioritization, performance management, coaching, and professional development
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for employee benefits across the organization and ensure consistent execution of benefit strategies

• Vendor & Financial Management

  • Oversee all benefits vendor relationships, including carriers, administrators, brokers, consultants, and recordkeepers; ensure service levels, performance metrics, and contractual obligations are met
  • Lead renewal, negotiation, and RFP processes to manage costs and enhance program value
  • Analyze benefit plan data and prepare monthly and quarterly reporting; identify trends, risks, and cost drivers and communicate findings to leadership

• Compliance, Governance & Audit

  • Ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations governing employee benefit plans, including ERISA (as applicable), ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related reporting requirements
  • Lead Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance activities, including development of processes, controls, and completion of annual filings
  • Serve as primary benefits contact for internal and external auditors related to health and welfare benefit plans
  • Ensure Sarbanes‐Oxley (SOX) controls related to benefits administration are designed, documented, and operating effectively
  • Oversee claims audits and reviews; identify and recommend opportunities to mitigate financial, regulatory, or fiduciary risk

• Employee Experience & Communications

  • Lead and manage annual open enrollment for employee and retiree health and welfare benefit programs
  • Oversee development and delivery of clear, comprehensive benefits communications, education, and employee self-service tools
  • Resolve escalated employee and retiree inquiries regarding benefit programs

• Strategy & Continuous Improvement

  • Monitor industry, regulatory, and market trends to ensure benefit programs remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational strategy
  • Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, Risk Management, and benefits leadership to align priorities, governance, compliance activities, audits, and operational execution
  • Evaluate and support implementation of alternative benefit strategies, including self-insured arrangements where appropriate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration, including experience with self-insured plans
• 5 years of experience in a management, senior analyst, or program leadership capacity
• Demonstrated experience managing the Form 5500 process for health and welfare plans, including coordination with vendors and auditors
• Demonstrated experience managing audits, regulatory filings, and internal controls related to health and welfare benefit plans
• Demonstrated experience working in close alignment with benefits leadership to ensure coordination of strategy, compliance, audits, vendor management, and operational execution
• Strong analytical, project management, and vendor management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Valid California Driver License

BENEFITS SUMMARY

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.