Benefits & Leaves Strategist — Remote (CA)

Merit HR (Merit Resource Group); United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Merit HR (Merit Resource Group) is seeking a Benefits & Leaves Manager to lead our benefits program for 900+ employees, guiding strategy, design and employee experience. This role emphasizes self-funded medical plans, broker/TPA partnerships, compliance, and a service-oriented HR approach.

Location is fully remote with occasional travel to South San Francisco. You will supervise two benefits/leaves professionals and collaborate across HR to support a mission-driven organization serving children,

Qualifications

• 5 years of HR/benefits experience with health and welfare plans.
• Hands-on experience with self-funded/self-insured medical plans preferred.
• Understanding of claims, funding, plan design and vendor management.
• Experience with retirement plans, ideally a 403(b).
• Strong knowledge of California leave and accommodations requirements.
• Experience leading or mentoring benefits/leave professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, wellness, COBRA and a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Manage a self-funded medical plan, partnering with the broker and TPA on claims trends, funding, plan performance and design.
• Analyze data and identify opportunities to improve benefits, manage costs and strengthen the employee experience.
• Lead annual open enrollment and benefits communications.
• Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, TPAs and other benefits partners.
• Ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA and other applicable requirements.
• Provide leadership for leave administration including FMLA/CFRA/PDL and CA leave requirements.
• Guide ADA/FEHA accommodations and the interactive process.
• Oversee workers’ compensation and return-to-work processes.
• Lead and develop the team supporting day-to-day administration of benefits and leaves.

Skills

Benefits/HR strategy

California leave requirements

People leadership

Job description

Merit HR (Merit Resource Group) is seeking a Benefits & Leaves Manager to lead our benefits program for 900+ employees, guiding strategy, design and employee experience. This role emphasizes self-funded medical plans, broker/TPA partnerships, compliance, and a service-oriented HR approach.

Location is fully remote with occasional travel to South San Francisco. You will supervise two benefits/leaves professionals and collaborate across HR to support a mission-driven organization serving children,