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.

Required

• Experience with union and complex workforce populations.
• Experience supporting acquisitions and benefit integrations.
• Benefits experience within organizations of 5,000+ employees.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.