LHH is partnering with a reputable client in Oakland to find a Benefits Manager to join their HR team and help shape an outstanding benefits experience for a growing organization of approximately 1,300 full-time employees. This role is ideal for a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who is comfortable managing both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations within a lean team environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver personalized guidance to employees regarding benefits questions, enrollment processes, and claim resolution to ensure a positive employee experience.
- Oversee the daily management of employee benefit and wellness programs, ensuring accurate enrollment, premium payments, invoice reconciliation, and ongoing regulatory compliance.
- Develop and implement clear, engaging communication strategies to help employees understand and navigate their benefits, including updates on new plans, eligibility, and enrollment timelines.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with insurance carriers and third-party providers, negotiate contract terms, and ensure service levels meet organizational expectations.
- Monitor and analyze benefit utilization data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and support budget planning and forecasting for benefits programs.
- Ensure all benefit offerings remain fully compliant with federal, state, and local regulations, including timely preparation and submission of all required documentation.
- Cultivate productive relationships with internal stakeholders including HR Business Partners, Finance, Legal, and Procurement to align benefits strategy with organizational priorities.
- Mentor and develop Benefits team members through coaching, training, and stretch assignments to foster both individual and team growth.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Deep understanding of employee benefits including health plans, retirement programs, leave policies, and flexible spending accounts.
- Proven experience managing benefits administration, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
- Comfortable working hands-on in a small, agile team where responsibilities are shared.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of presenting clearly to both large and small audiences, in-person and virtually.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and use insights to drive decisions.
- Thorough knowledge of compliance requirements related to employee benefits (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, etc.).
- A commitment to developing others and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented culture.
If you're passionate about enhancing the employee experience and want to help shape a scalable, people-first benefits strategy - we'd love to meet you.