Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, or related field, or equivalent experience
Minimum of six years in HR benefits design and administration, with three years in management
Strong knowledge of employee benefits strategy, compliance, and cost management
Experience in leading and developing professional staff
Ability to analyze complex benefit programs and make strategic recommendations
Strong vendor, contract, budget, and project management skills
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
Responsibilities
Lead strategy and administration of OCTA's employee benefit programs
Oversee health and welfare benefits, pension, and wellness programs
Develop and mentor Benefits staff, ensuring high-quality service
Evaluate benefit plans and recommend strategies balancing competitiveness and fiscal responsibility
Ensure compliance with federal and state benefit regulations
Manage benefit vendors, contracts, and performance audits
Collaborate with legal counsel and consultants on plan design
Oversee benefits administration in Workday and ensure data accuracy
Develop and manage the section budget and prepare Board recommendations
Provide strategic guidance to senior management on complex benefit issues
Benefits
Shape benefit strategies that support OCTA's employees and families
Influence programs that enhance employee well-being and retention
Serve as a strategic HR leader partnering with senior management
Lead and develop a talented Benefits team
Balance innovation and fiscal stewardship in benefit program design
Full Job Description
Job Description
Benefits Manager - Section Manager III
Under general direction, provides strategic leadership for the design, development, administration, and delivery of OCTA's employee benefit programs. This position develops benefit strategies that support employee needs, regulatory compliance, cost effectiveness, and OCTA's ability to attract and retain talent. Serves as a member of the Human Resources strategy team and leads the Benefits section and its staff.
This is an exempt position in salary grade 235:Min - $135,678.40 | Mid - $161,200.00 | Max - $186,700.80/year. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.
This posting will remain open until Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
What You'll Do
Lead the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of OCTA's employee benefit programs
Oversee health and welfare benefits, pension, deferred compensation, leaves of absence, wellness, and other employee programs
Lead, develop, and mentor Benefits staff while establishing priorities and ensuring high-quality service delivery
Evaluate benefit plans, market trends, utilization, and costs and recommend strategies that balance competitive benefits with fiscal responsibility
Ensure benefit programs, policies, and procedures comply with applicable federal and state requirements
Oversee benefit vendors, third-party administrators, contracts, audits, and performance
Partner with legal counsel, consultants, carriers, and other providers on plan design and administration
Oversee benefits administration and reporting within Workday and ensure accurate benefit and census data
Develop and manage the section budget and prepare recommendations and Board actions related to benefit programs and contracts
Provide strategic guidance to senior management and resolve complex or sensitive benefit issues
What We're Looking For
Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of six years of professional HR experience in benefits design and administration, including three years of management experience
Strong knowledge of employee benefits strategy, plan design, administration, compliance, and cost management
Demonstrated experience leading and developing professional staff
Ability to evaluate complex benefit programs and translate data and trends into strategic recommendations
Strong vendor, contract, budget, and project management skills
Excellent communication, presentation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills
Master's degree, public agency experience, benefits certification, Workday HRIS knowledge, and employee self-service experience are desirable
Why You'll Love It Here
Shape benefit strategies that directly support OCTA's employees and their families
Influence programs that strengthen employee well-being, recruitment, and retention
Serve as a strategic HR leader and partner with senior management on important workforce initiatives
Lead and develop a talented Benefits team while driving continuous improvement
Balance innovation, employee experience, and fiscal stewardship in designing competitive benefit programs
Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA's programs.
