AI use among compensation and benefits managers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for compensation and benefits managers: 0% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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About the job

An experienced employee benefits manager is needed to lead benefits strategy, administration, leave management, compliance, and day-to-day program operations within a sophisticated professional services environment. Based in Los Angeles, this position oversees a comprehensive portfolio of health and welfare, retirement, leave, disability, wellness, and related employee programs while managing a small benefits team.

The Benefits Manager will work closely with Human Resources leadership and cross-functional partners to evaluate plan effectiveness, manage vendor relationships, oversee renewals, monitor costs and utilization, and ensure programs remain compliant and responsive to employee needs. This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned benefits professional with 8+ years of progressive experience who combines technical expertise with strong leadership, analytical, and vendor-management skills.

Benefits & Leave Management

Lead the administration of medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement, wellness, leave, and other employee benefit programs.

Participate in benefit plan design decisions involving coverage, eligibility, contribution structures, and program enhancements.

Evaluate employee utilization, feedback, and market information to identify opportunities for program improvements.

Oversee the complete employee leave lifecycle.

Manage processes involving FMLA, CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, SDI/PFL-related leaves, and other applicable programs.

Partner with Payroll and HRIS teams to coordinate benefits, leave, deductions, and employee data.

Maintain and regularly update benefits-related procedures and operating documentation.

Ensure benefits programs are administered accurately and consistently.

Develop communications and educational resources that help employees understand available benefits.

Retirement Program Oversight

The employee benefits manager will provide oversight for retirement plan administration and related governance.

Support administration and governance of the organization’s retirement programs.

Oversee 401(k) plan operations and related processes.

Coordinate with retirement plan providers and external advisors.

Lead or support retirement committee activities.

Monitor fiduciary and regulatory requirements.

Coordinate with Payroll and other internal teams to ensure accurate administration.

Identify potential compliance or operational concerns and recommend appropriate action.

Vendor Management & Annual Renewals

Lead the annual benefits renewal process.

Develop recommendations regarding plan design and renewal strategy.

Manage relationships with benefits brokers, consultants, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and other service providers.

Evaluate vendor service levels and overall performance.

Conduct vendor performance reviews.

Research market offerings and emerging benefits solutions.

Recommend plan enhancements, vendor changes, and operational improvements.

Participate in contract and service agreement negotiations.

Address vendor issues and escalate complex matters when appropriate.

Benefits Compliance & Governance

Monitor benefits programs for compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Maintain working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, CFRA, ADA, and related regulations.

Lead year-end ACA administration, including applicable reporting and communications.

Coordinate required benefits filings, notices, audits, and testing.

Support nondiscrimination testing and other benefits governance activities.

Maintain compliance calendars and operational controls.

Monitor required benefits disclosures and ensure materials accurately reflect current plan designs.

Identify potential compliance risks and develop recommendations to address them.

Maintain accurate policies, procedures, and program documentation.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

Develop benefits budgets and forecasts for HR leadership.

Monitor program costs, participation, and utilization.

Review benefits billing and reconciliation activities.

Prepare financial analyses related to benefit programs.

Analyze trends and identify opportunities for cost management.

Evaluate program effectiveness using benefits and utilization data.

Develop recommendations based on financial and operational findings.

Use reporting and analytics to support benefits strategy and business decisions.

Team Leadership

This employee benefits manager will directly supervise benefits professionals and provide leadership across day-to-day team operations.

Establish priorities and allocate workloads across the benefits team.

Set service expectations and operational goals.

Coach and mentor team members.

Provide ongoing performance feedback and professional development.

Develop cross-training and continuity plans.

Ensure consistent employee service across benefits programs.

Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Recruiting, HR Operations, Payroll, Finance, and other internal teams.

Support broader Human Resources projects and initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

8+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, benefits management, total rewards, or a closely related area.

Demonstrated experience leading complex employee benefits programs.

Strong background with health and welfare, leave, retirement, and wellness programs.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA/CFRA, ADA, and related benefits requirements.

Experience managing brokers, consultants, carriers, third-party administrators, and other benefits vendors.

Experience leading annual benefits renewals.

Experience analyzing plan utilization, costs, and employee participation.

Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills.

Previous people-management experience, including coaching and performance management.

Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Strong communication and presentation skills.

Excellent vendor and relationship-management capabilities.

Advanced proficiency with Workday and Microsoft Excel.

Law firm or professional services experience preferred.

CEBS, CBP, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or comparable professional certification preferred.

Position Details

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, typically 3 days per week onsite

Employment Type: Full-time, exempt

Experience: 8+ years

Salary: $165,000–$180,000 annually

Primary Focus: Benefits strategy, administration, leave management, compliance, renewals, and retirement

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