Benefits Manager
Irvine, CA - USA
Job Summary
Job Description Summary
The Benefits Manager is responsible for the overall administration compliance and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of benefits data oversees vendor billing reconciliation and maintains compliance with all applicable federal state and local regulations. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Compensation & Benefits who provides strategic direction and oversight for the function. Partnering closely with the Assistant Vice President ( AVP ) of Compensation & Benefits this role supports execution of the benefits strategy while proactively identifying risks trends and operational gaps. The Benefits Manager plays a critical role in building scalable processes strengthening internal controls and ensuring a high-quality employee experience across a multi-state workforce.
Responsibilities
Program Administration & Operations Oversee the end-to-end administration of employee benefit programs including health welfare retirement and ancillary plans Ensure accurate and timely processing of enrollments life events and terminations Manage the annual open enrollment process including system configuration communications and employee support Maintain and optimize benefits administration within the HRIS and related systems Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations including ERISA ACA COBRA HIPAA and FMLA Prepare and manage required filings and reporting (e.g. Form 5500 ACA reporting) Facilitate Non-Discrimination Testing for FSA Maintain plan documents policies and audit-ready documentation In partnership with the AVP Compensation & Benefits provide oversight of the 401(k) plan including governance committee support and annual filings Audit Reconciliation & Financial Oversight Manage regular audits of benefits data payroll deductions and eligibility to ensure accuracy and compliance Reconcile vendor invoices against payroll and enrollment data; investigate and resolve discrepancies Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate deductions and timely vendor payments Track and analyze benefits-related financial activity trends and variances Data Integrity & Reporting Ensure accuracy completeness and integrity of employee benefits records across systems Leverage data to identify risks gaps and opportunities for improvement Vendor Management Manage relationships with brokers carriers and third-party administrators Oversee vendor performance contract compliance and service delivery Lead issue resolution and escalation of complex employee or system-related matters Process Development & Continuous Improvement Build document and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) Support system enhancements integrations and benefits-related projects Establish and continuously improve benefits processes metrics and internal controls. Strategy Support & Leadership Partner with the AVP of Compensation & Benefits to support strategic initiatives and program enhancements Monitor market trends and benchmark data to ensure competitiveness and fiscal responsibility Proactively identify and escalate risks trends and operational concerns Support communication strategies and employee education to improve understanding and utilization of benefits
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or related field preferred (or equivalent experience) 710 years of progressive experience in benefits administration including compliance audit and reconciliation Strong knowledge of federal and state benefits regulations ( ERISA ACA COBRA HIPAA FMLA ) Advanced experience with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (e.g. PeopleSoft Workday ADP UKG ) Experience with retirement plan administration Competencies Deep understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements including ACA ERISA COBRA Department of Labor ( DOL ) and applicable tax laws Advanced knowledge of benefits administration and evolving market trends Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously Strong analytical financial and problem-solving capabilities Effective communication skills with the ability to clearly translate complex concepts Ability to identify risk and appropriately escalate issues Highly organized process-driven and self-directed Demonstrates a high level of accountability discretion and professionalism Collaborative team player who fosters a positive team-oriented environment Demonstrates integrity sound judgment and strong decision-making abilities with the ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information Process improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and continuous enhancement Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across teams
The Benefits Manager is responsible for the overall administration compliance and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of benefits data oversees vendor billing reconciliation and maintains compliance with all applicable federal state and local regulations. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Compensation & Benefits who provides strategic direction and oversight for the function. Partnering closely with the Assistant Vice President ( AVP ) of Compensation & Benefits this role supports execution of the benefits strategy while proactively identifying risks trends and operational gaps. The Benefits Manager plays a critical role in building scalable processes strengthening internal controls and ensuring a high-quality employee experience across a multi-state workforce.
Responsibilities
Program Administration & Operations Oversee the end-to-end administration of employee benefit programs including health welfare retirement and ancillary plans Ensure accurate and timely processing of enrollments life events and terminations Manage the annual open enrollment process including system configuration communications and employee support Maintain and optimize benefits administration within the HRIS and related systems Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations including ERISA ACA COBRA HIPAA and FMLA Prepare and manage required filings and reporting (e.g. Form 5500 ACA reporting) Facilitate Non-Discrimination Testing for FSA Maintain plan documents policies and audit-ready documentation In partnership with the AVP Compensation & Benefits provide oversight of the 401(k) plan including governance committee support and annual filings Audit Reconciliation & Financial Oversight Manage regular audits of benefits data payroll deductions and eligibility to ensure accuracy and compliance Reconcile vendor invoices against payroll and enrollment data; investigate and resolve discrepancies Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate deductions and timely vendor payments Track and analyze benefits-related financial activity trends and variances Data Integrity & Reporting Ensure accuracy completeness and integrity of employee benefits records across systems Leverage data to identify risks gaps and opportunities for improvement Vendor Management Manage relationships with brokers carriers and third-party administrators Oversee vendor performance contract compliance and service delivery Lead issue resolution and escalation of complex employee or system-related matters Process Development & Continuous Improvement Build document and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) Support system enhancements integrations and benefits-related projects Establish and continuously improve benefits processes metrics and internal controls. Strategy Support & Leadership Partner with the AVP of Compensation & Benefits to support strategic initiatives and program enhancements Monitor market trends and benchmark data to ensure competitiveness and fiscal responsibility Proactively identify and escalate risks trends and operational concerns Support communication strategies and employee education to improve understanding and utilization of benefits
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or related field preferred (or equivalent experience) 710 years of progressive experience in benefits administration including compliance audit and reconciliation Strong knowledge of federal and state benefits regulations ( ERISA ACA COBRA HIPAA FMLA ) Advanced experience with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (e.g. PeopleSoft Workday ADP UKG ) Experience with retirement plan administration Competencies Deep understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements including ACA ERISA COBRA Department of Labor ( DOL ) and applicable tax laws Advanced knowledge of benefits administration and evolving market trends Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously Strong analytical financial and problem-solving capabilities Effective communication skills with the ability to clearly translate complex concepts Ability to identify risk and appropriately escalate issues Highly organized process-driven and self-directed Demonstrates a high level of accountability discretion and professionalism Collaborative team player who fosters a positive team-oriented environment Demonstrates integrity sound judgment and strong decision-making abilities with the ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information Process improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and continuous enhancement Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across teams
Required Experience:
Manager