Benefits Manager

Job Description

Benefits Manager Job Description

Last Updated: 05/01/2026

About the Role
As a Benefits Manager, you'll play a central role in shaping the employee experience by administering comprehensive benefits and retirement programs with integrity and a
commitment to quality. This role oversees our 401(k) plan, self-funded medical plan, carve-out pharmacy program, and additional ancillary plans; ensuring compliance, delivering real value,
and serving as the primary resource for employee inquiries and education. Beyond benefits, this role supports bi-weekly payroll operations and partners with HR and
finance to keep programs aligned. With an innovative mindset and a genuine care for community, you'll evaluate vendors, identify trends, and recommend improvements that reflect
our commitment to our people.

Job Responsibilities:
• 401(k) Program Management
• Oversee the daily administration of the company's 401(k) plan, including but not limited to enrollment, contribution, loans, and distributions.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, and other applicable laws.
• Coordinate and manage with third-party administrators and investment advisors to optimize plan performance and employee participation.
• Conduct employee education sessions to promote understanding and engagement with the 401(k) program.
• Provide support for the 5500 audit for yearly compliance.
• Evaluate TPAs, Brokers, and Vendors associated with the 401(k) Program
• Health and Ancillary Benefits Management
• Manage the self-funded medical plan, including claims administration, stop-loss insurance, and coordination with the captive insurance structure.
• Monitor plan performance, analyze claims data, and implement cost-containment strategies.
• Collaborate with brokers, TPAs, and reinsurers to ensure the plan meets employee needs and financial objectives.
• Ensure compliance with ACA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensure billing aligns with claims data across all plans.
• Evaluate TPAs, Brokers, and Vendors associated with our Benefits Program.
• Administer the carve-out pharmacy benefit program, working with the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) to optimize formulary design and cost efficiency.
• Review pharmacy claims and utilization data to identify trends and opportunities for savings.
• Educate employees on pharmacy benefits and support the resolution of coverage issues if they occur.
• Administer and manage ancillary benefit plans.
• Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing exceptional service and support.
• Develop and distribute benefits communication materials to enhance employee understanding and engagement.
• Maintain accurate records of employee benefits and update systems as necessary. This includes but is not limited to: reconciliation of monthly invoices
and ensuring employees are deducted for their benefit elections.
• Stay current on the industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to recommend improvements to benefits and payroll programs.
• Analyze and evaluate existing benefits programs and recommended improvements.
• Support annual open enrolment, including plan design, vendor negotiations, and employee communications.
• Be the point of contact and reconcile billing for all benefits plans.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits
• Payroll Administration Support
• Support end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing for all employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure accuracy for all pieces, including but not limited to: regular earnings (Including CA regular rate of pay), overtime, bonus, commissions, wage,
garnishments, expense reimbursements, company fleet, meal breaks, split shifts, stipend programs, taxes, and deductions.
• Audit and review timekeeping systems to ensure accuracy and follow up with managers to ensure timely submissions to process payroll.
• Support payroll systems, tax filings, and deductions, including benefits-related contributions. Liaison with state and federal agencies for tax purposes.
• Address employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies promptly. These corrections include preparing support for any off-cycle payments, including but not
limited to: final pay, manual payroll checks, corrections, and year-end bonus.
• Coordinate with HR and finance teams to align payroll with benefits and budgeting processes.
• Perform activities necessary for year-end, including but not limited to W2s,1095Cs, 1099s, and ACA reporting.
• Perform employment verifications.
• Reporting for finance departments to support benefits and payroll processes.
Support additional ad-hoc reporting to support finance, safety, and HR departments.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with
or without notice.

Desired Experience/ Traits
Who You Are:
• Personal curiosity in improving skills
• Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, listening, critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills.
• Honest, Dependable, high integrity, team player, and passionate.

Skills and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred
• 3+ Years of experience in benefits administration, with specific expertise in 401(k) plans,
self-funded medical plans, and pharmacy benefits.
• In-depth knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, IRS regulations, and other relevant
compliance requirements.
• Experience with captive insurance structures is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret claims data, financial reports, and
utilization trends.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-service mindset.
• Proficiency in HRIS, benefit administrative platforms, Google Suite/Excel.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar certification is a plus.

Job Details:
• Location: San Diego, CA brewery. In the office, 4 days a week are required.
• Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 - commensurate with experience
• Bonus: Eligible for discretionary annual bonus up to 15% of base pay.
• Benefits: Company-paid health, vision, dental, life, 401k with 5% company match, and Paid Parental Leave
• Community Program: In addition to Paid Time Off, all team members receive one paid day per month to dedicate to volunteering activities.
• We value internal mobility and team equity.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Primarily works in a seated position; however, standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.
• May sit or stand for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, phone, and other office equipment.
• Repetitive motions involving typing, clicking, and data entry.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of items up to 25+ pounds.
• Prolonged exposure to computer screens.
• Ability to manage frequent interruptions and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring visual acuity, including working with items at close range and adjusting focus, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to recognize and respond to instructions and alert signals in the work environment.