Benefits Manager

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight and administration of all employee benefit programs across the organization. This role sets policy direction, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and manages vendor relationships. The position develops, recommends, and implements approved new or modified plans and employee benefits policies, and manages the administration of existing plans. This position is a subject-matter expert in benefits and related legal, compliance, and cost issues.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Planning:

Develop multi-year benefits strategy, roadmap, and annual plan aligned with organizational objectives and budget. Implement benefits strategies that support company goals. Manage the strategic and day-to-day direction of benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, wellness, leave of absence, workers' compensation, EAP, and paid time off. Develop and maintain benefits department policies and procedures.

• Compliance Oversight:

Ensure adherence to ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable state leave laws; maintain audit-ready controls and documentation. Prepare communications and plan summary documents for new plans or plan changes. Manage preparation of reports and filings required by federal and state agencies. Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and advise leadership on necessary or recommended program adjustments.

• Vendor Management:

Lead RFPs, negotiate rates and contract terms, manage SLAs, and monitor carrier and vendor performance. Evaluate proposals for cost-effectiveness and quality and present recommendations to leadership. Manage benefits inquiries and complaints, ensuring timely resolution and compliance.

• Budget \& Reporting:

Oversee the benefits budget and provide leadership-level reporting. Develop benefits data and statistical reporting for actuaries, carriers, and internal stakeholders.

• Communication:

Prepare plan summaries, change announcements, and leadership updates; facilitate employee education sessions on benefits programs.

• Stakeholder Partnership:

Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Payroll, HRIS, Legal, and benefits advisors to drive process improvements and data integrity.

• Continuous Improvement:

Identify automation opportunities, standardize SOPs, and track program adoption and impact.

Experience and Skills

• Expertise in benefits planning, design, funding strategies (self-insured and fully insured), and cost containment
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local employment, benefits, leave, and disability laws and regulations including ADA, FEHA, FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and related requirements
• Strong analytical and research skills with proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office suite
• Familiarity with HRIS and ERP platforms a plus
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency
• Proven leadership, project management, and change management capabilities