Director, Benefits and Leave Administration

Director of Benefits and LOA

Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid; onsite preference 4 days/week)

Compensation: $130,000-145,000 base + 20% target bonus

Position Overview

Seeking a hands-on Benefits leader to oversee Health & Welfare Benefits and Leave of Absence programs within a large, complex, multi-state organization. This role serves as a key partner to senior leadership and is responsible for benefits strategy, administration, compliance, vendor management, team leadership, and employee wellbeing programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Health & Welfare benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, wellness, and EAP.
• Oversee Leave of Absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, state leave laws, paid family leave, and accommodations.
• Manage benefits operations, eligibility administration, open enrollment, and employee communications.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, IRS, and Department of Labor requirements.
• Oversee Form 5500, 1094, 1095, and other regulatory filings.
• Manage carrier, broker, consultant, and vendor relationships, renewals, and RFP processes.
• Analyze claims, utilization, and cost trends to drive strategic recommendations.
• Lead and mentor a benefits team while supporting acquisitions and benefit integrations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Health & Welfare Benefits and Leave Administration experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing benefits teams.
• Experience supporting large, multi-state employee populations.
• Strong hands-on benefits administration experience (not solely vendor management).
• Expertise in ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and benefits compliance.
• Experience with self-funded and/or fully insured health plans.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience managing brokers, carriers, and external vendors.
• Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills.