Associate Director, Benefits

Ardelyx

Newark, CA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$193,000–$235,000 Per Year
JOB TYPE
Full-time
SKILLS
Administrative Skills, American Dental Association (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Analysis Skills, Automation, Biology, Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Brokerage, Business Administration, COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985), Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Customer/Client Research, Detail Oriented, ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), Employee Benefits, FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993), Federal Laws and Regulations, Finance, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), HRIS/HRMS, Health Plan, Incentive Programs, Insurance, Legal, Market Analysis, Market Trend Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Monitor Regulations, Negotiation Skills, Onboarding, PHR (Professional in Human Resources), Prescription Drugs, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Program Evaluation, Regulations, SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), State Laws and Regulations, Systems Administration/Management, Team Player, Trend Analysis, Vendor/Supplier Management, Vendor/Supplier Planning, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Newark, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago
Ardelyx is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on redefining treatment approaches for patients with significant unmet medical needs. By combining scientific innovation with a collaborative, purpose-driven culture, we strive to create meaningful impact for patients. Team Ardelyx is united by a shared mission and guided by our core values: Passionate, Fearless, Dedicated, and Inclusive. We foster an inclusive environment where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to make an impact — both within our company and in the lives of patients we serve. Position Summary:The Associate Director, Benefits will lead the governance and execution of employee benefit programs. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to cross-functional team members, ensuring that benefits programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and compliant with all legal regulations. The Associate Director, Benefits will oversee vendor partnerships, assist with annual renewals and program evaluations, and provide subject matter expertise on health and welfare, retirement and well-being benefits.Responsibilities:Administer employee benefits programs that align with Company objectives while addressing local market competitiveness, compliance, and employee experienceOversee benefits education and enrollment for new hires, ensuring a smooth and engaging onboarding experience, including developing and delivering benefits presentations, materials, and tools for new hire orientationManage and lead the planning and execution of annual open enrollment, including timeliness, system configuration, communications, and employee supportManage the Leave of Absence program and process, ensuring all nationwide leaves comply with legally required mandates, SDI/pay coordination, FMLA, and internal policiesDesign, implement, and evaluate wellness and well-being initiatives that support employee health, engagement, and productivity Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and ensure all plans adhere to federal, state, and local laws, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA, including annual 5500 filings and plan auditsManage employee benefit plan vendors, brokers, and consultants, ensuring high service levels and cost-effective solutionsDrive effective communication and education strategies to maximize employee understanding and engagement in employee benefit offeringsUtilize employee feedback, market trends, and analytics to continuously improve employee experienceCollaborate with HR Operations, Payroll, IT, and other HR team members to ensure smooth administration and automation of employee benefit processesAct as a final point of escalation for complex employee benefit inquiries and sensitive claims issuesQualifications:Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or Finance with 8 -10 years of progressive benefits administration experience, preferably in the life sciences or biotech industry, or equivalent experienceExtensive experience managing self-funded health plans, including monitoring claims, stop-loss coverage, and financial performanceDeep knowledge of benefits compliance (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable state laws)Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong attention to detail and robust analytical and quantitative skillsAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with HR Information Systems (i.e., Paylocity), and leave administration platform (i.e., Tilt)Strong vendor management and negotiation skills, with a proven track record of delivering cost-efficient, high-quality programsExperience scaling programs in a high-growth, fast-paced environmentProfessional designations such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR are highly valuedWork Environment:The position is based in our Newark, CA office and requires onsite presence 2-3 days per week.The anticipated annualized base pay range for this full-time position is $193,000 - $235,000. Ardelyx utilizes industry data to ensure that our compensation is competitive and aligned with our industry peers. Actual base pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including years of relevant experience, training, qualifications, and internal equity. The compensation package may also include an annual bonus target and equity awards, subject to eligibility and other requirements. Ardelyx also offers a robust benefits package to employees, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer match, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, up to 12 weeks living organ and bone marrow leave, equity incentive plans, health plans (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision), life insurance and disability, flexible time off, annual Winter Holiday shut down, and at least 11 paid holidays.Ardelyx is an equal opportunity employer.

About the Company

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Ardelyx