At TalentCount we believe in the power of Emotional Intelligence and we take pride in hiring the most authenticated, high-EQ talent acquisition and human resources professionals to influence company culture, objectives, and growth.

We are excited to be partnered with an exciting and growing company in the Orange County area seeking a Benefits Manager. This role has responsibility for oversight of all leave procedures and processes, providing guidance and advice. And will be responsible for demonstrating thought leadership on the development of the benefits methodologies and approaches, leading the implementation of new projects and initiatives and directing the service delivery of the benefits programs.

This is a direct-hire and hybrid position.

Core Duties:

• Handle the FMLA leave administration process from the employee’s initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use

• Evaluates and compares existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information

• Manage relationships and projects with external partners, consultants, and vendors as it relates to benefits

• Administer benefits programs (health and welfare, retirement, paid time off and leave programs)

• Responsible for the full project management of benefits programs, include preparing the communications and promotional materials, contents for educational sessions, and use of other communication vehicles

• Serve as the face of the company’s health and wellness programs for both our vendors and our employees and respond to benefits inquiries and questions on a timely basis

• Partner with plan administrators, carrier representatives, and benefits broker to resolve benefit issues

• Manage wellness events and research new/innovative practices and trends in employee benefits and wellness

• Responsible for the execution of approved new benefits plans and changes by preparing announcement material, booklets, and other media for communicating new plans to employees

• Benefits program planning and vendor negotiation/renewal process

• Benefits program implementation and management

• Provide strategic direction for the communication and education of benefits philosophy, programs, and policies across the organization

• Complete all activities to ensure plans are compliant with ERISA, DOL & state reporting requirements, including non-discrimination testing, ACA reporting, claim submissions, 5500 reporting/filing, Summary Annual Reports

• Developing communication tools to enhance understanding and awareness of the company's benefits, including intranet pages and creative email and alternative communication campaigns

• Overseeing payroll audits to ensure deductions match enrollments for Health & Welfare and Retirement benefits

• Supervision and maintenance of all benefits-related information in the HRMS

• Assess programs for opportunities on enhancements and efficiencies

What we’re looking for:

• At least 5 years of Benefits, Retirement and Leave Administration experience

• Knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FLSA, FMLA and emerging regulatory issues preferred

• CEBS/CBP preferred

• Demonstrated experience with analytics, auditing, process design, where attention to detail is critical

• Demonstrated experience managing multiple programs, through good vendor management skills, utilizing broker services

• Strong attention to detail, ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with all levels of employees and managers

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, adjusting information as needed for various audiences

• Strong absence management experience with the ability to research and keep updated on ever changing legislation and making proactive recommendation for changes to policies and processes