Job Title: HR & Benefits Manager
Location: Oakland, CA
Start Date: ASAP
Contract ongoing
Compensation: $70-80/hour ?
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Benefits Manager to join our team on a contract basis. This role is pivotal in managing all aspects of employee benefits administration, ensuring compliance, and providing exceptional support to our staff. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating complex benefits structures and possess a strong commitment to employee well-being.?
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide personalized guidance to employees regarding benefits inquiries, enrollment processes, and claims assistance.
- Address and resolve employee concerns related to benefits promptly and professionally
- Lead daily operations of employee benefit and wellness programs, ensuring accurate enrollment, premium payments, and invoice reconciliation.
- Ensure compliance with all legal regulations pertaining to benefits administration.?
- Develop and implement effective communication strategies to educate employees about benefit offerings, eligibility criteria, and enrollment procedures.
- Present benefit information to both large and small groups, in-person and virtually.?
- Manage relationships with insurance carriers and benefit providers to ensure alignment with organizational needs.
- Negotiate contracts and monitor vendor performance to ensure high-quality service delivery.?
- Analyze benefit utilization trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Develop budget projections for employee benefits and provide recommendations for cost-effective solutions.?
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulations related to employee benefits.
- Ensure timely reporting and documentation to maintain compliance.?
- Build and maintain relationships with key internal partners, including HR Business Partners, Finance, Procurement, and Legal.
- Collaborate to understand organizational needs and drive benefit programs forward
- Mentor and support Benefits team members, sharing knowledge and creating development plans to foster professional growth.?
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Extensive knowledge of employee benefits, including health insurance plans, retirement accounts, leave programs, and flexible spending accounts.
- Demonstrated experience in benefit plan administration and vendor negotiations.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a small, lean team environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of interfacing with employees, HR partners, and external providers.
- Analytical skills to interpret complex data for informed decision-making.
- Proficiency in regulatory compliance related to employee benefits.
- Comfortable presenting to diverse groups, both in-person and virtually.
- Track record of supporting and driving staff development.
- Highly collaborative and team-focused mindset.