Benefits Leader: Strategy, Compliance & Vendor Management

California Water Service; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

California Water Service seeks a Benefits Manager to design, administer, and govern comprehensive employee benefit programs on-site in San Jose, CA. You’ll work with Finance, Legal, and Risk Management to align strategy, compliance, and operational execution.

You will lead open enrollment, manage vendors, and ensure ACA/ERISA compliance while maintaining strong internal controls and accurate reporting. Minimum 5 years in benefits, 5 in leadership, and a California driver license are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business administration, or related field.
• 5+ years in employee benefits administration.
• 5+ years in a management or program leadership role.
• Experience with Form 5500 filings and vendor coordination.
• Experience with self-insured plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, administration, and governance of all employee benefit programs.
• Oversee benefits vendor relationships, renewals, and cost management.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA and related reporting requirements.
• Lead open enrollment and employee communications for health and welfare programs.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Risk Management and benefits leadership to align priorities.

Skills

Benefits administration

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

SOX controls

Project management

Analytical skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

California Water Service seeks a Benefits Manager to design, administer, and govern comprehensive employee benefit programs on-site in San Jose, CA. You’ll work with Finance, Legal, and Risk Management to align strategy, compliance, and operational execution.

You will lead open enrollment, manage vendors, and ensure ACA/ERISA compliance while maintaining strong internal controls and accurate reporting. Minimum 5 years in benefits, 5 in leadership, and a California driver license are required.