Benefits Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Benefits Manager based in the United States. We are seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to oversee and scale employee benefits programs within a fast-growing, globally distributed organization. In this remote role, you will manage the full U.S. benefits lifecycle, from enrollment and renewals to compliance, vendor relationships, and employee support. You will work closely with HR Operations, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Global Mobility to ensure accurate administration and a seamless employee experience. The position combines hands-on benefits operations with strategic planning, cost management, and continuous process improvement. You will help maintain regulatory compliance, strengthen broker and carrier partnerships, and develop scalable policies and workflows. This is an opportunity to build reliable benefits infrastructure in a dynamic environment while supporting employees across multiple locations and, where applicable, international markets.

Manage the end-to-end administration of U.S. employee benefits, including new-hire enrollment, qualifying life events, coverage changes, COBRA administration, and employee offboarding. Coordinate annual open enrollment with brokers and insurance carriers, ensuring accurate plan information, timely communications, and a smooth experience for employees. Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for benefits brokers, carriers, and vendors, monitoring service quality, resolving issues, and escalating concerns when necessary. Support benefits renewals and plan evaluation by analyzing costs, service levels, coverage options, and quality trade-offs, and presenting recommendations. Maintain the benefits compliance calendar and support compliance with applicable U.S. regulations, including ERISA, ACA reporting, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, retirement plan audits, nondiscrimination testing, and state-level requirements. Identify emerging compliance risks and coordinate with Legal or external specialists when additional guidance is required. Act as a trusted resource for employee benefits questions, handling sensitive matters involving medical leave, family changes, loss, and coverage concerns with empathy and discretion. Partner with Payroll and HR Operations to verify benefits deductions, employer contributions, and carrier data feeds, ensuring accurate reconciliation during every pay period. Collaborate with Finance on benefits invoices, budgeting, cost monitoring, and forecasting. Work with Employer of Record (EOR) providers to support compliant benefits arrangements for international employees and maintain consistency with broader benefits principles. Document, standardize, and improve benefits policies, procedures, and workflows to support scalability, accuracy, and audit readiness. Identify opportunities to use automation and AI tools to improve administrative efficiency and the employee experience. Audit existing benefits plans, vendor data, carrier feeds, and compliance processes, identifying gaps and recommending prioritized improvements. Develop benefits performance indicators and reporting to improve visibility into program effectiveness and operational performance. Lead benefits administration improvements and support successful renewal and open enrollment cycles, with clean data, clear communications, and accurate payroll deductions. Requirements: Bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience in benefits administration or Total Rewards, or a master's degree and at least three years of relevant experience. Hands-on experience managing a U.S. employer's open enrollment cycle from planning and employee communication through implementation and payroll deductions. Strong working knowledge of U.S. employee benefits regulations, including ERISA, ACA reporting, COBRA, HIPAA, and Section 125, with sound judgment about when to consult Legal or outside experts. Experience managing relationships with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, and vendors, including monitoring service standards, resolving issues, and supporting renewals. Proficiency with HR information systems (HRIS) and benefits administration platforms, along with strong spreadsheet, data analysis, and reporting skills. Understanding of benefits payroll processes, employer contributions, carrier data feeds, invoice reconciliation, and benefits budgeting. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain benefits clearly, support employees through sensitive situations, and present recommendations to leadership. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage compliance deadlines and multiple priorities simultaneously. A proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving, with the ability to work independently and build structured processes in a rapidly evolving environment. A collaborative, team-oriented mindset, with the flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and contribute to shared goals. Strong analytical judgment and the ability to balance employee experience, regulatory compliance, service quality, and cost effectiveness. Preferred qualifications: Experience supporting international benefits programs through EOR providers or local employing entities. Benefits-related certifications such as Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or equivalent credentials. Experience supporting a geographically distributed workforce, including field-based or deployed employees. Background working in technology, hardware, infrastructure, or defense-related industries. Benefits: Annual base salary: Geographic pay ranges based on labor market and location: Tier 1 markets, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Seattle: $109,210–$136,600. Tier 2 markets, covering most U.S. metropolitan areas: $94,960–$118,700. Tier 3 markets, covering other cities: $90,220–$112,800. Equity: Equity compensation in addition to base salary. Healthcare coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance at subsidized employee costs. Health and dependent care accounts: Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) options. Retirement savings: Retirement plan options, including traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k). Paid time off: Unlimited paid time off, subject to applicable company policies. Company holidays: 14 paid company holidays annually. Remote work: Remote-based position within the continental United States. Career impact: Opportunity to shape benefits operations, improve systems and processes, and support a growing workforce. Compensation flexibility: Final base salary depends on location, experience, skills, qualifications, and the scope of the role. Additional details about subsidized benefits are available upon request.