Section Manager III, Benefits

Octa+ Energie; California; On-site; USD 136,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

OCTA is seeking a Benefits Manager – Section Manager III to strategically lead the design, development, and delivery of employee benefit programs in California. You will oversee health, pension, leaves, wellness, and related programs while mentoring the Benefits team and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree plus six years of HR benefits experience (three in leadership).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, HR, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum six years HR experience in benefits design/administration, including three in management.
• Strong knowledge of benefits strategy, plan design, compliance, and cost management.
• Ability to translate data and trends into strategic recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and administration of OCTA’s employee benefit programs.
• Oversee health and welfare, pension, deferred compensation, leaves of absence, wellness, and related programs.
• Develop and mentor Benefits staff while setting priorities and ensuring high-quality service.
• Oversee benefit vendors, contracts, audits, and performance.
• Partner with legal, consultants, carriers on plan design and administration.
• Oversee Workday benefits administration and census data accuracy.
• Develop and manage the Benefits section budget and Board recommendations.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior management and resolve complex benefit issues.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Benefits design

Budget management

Vendor management

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration / HR

Master’s degree

Benefits certification

Workday HRIS knowledge

Public agency experience

Employee self-service experience

Tools

Workday HRIS

Job description

Job DescriptionBenefits Manager – Section Manager IIIUnder 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 DoLead the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of OCTA’s employee benefit programsOversee health and welfare benefits, pension, deferred compensation, leaves of absence, wellness, and other employee programsLead, develop, and mentor Benefits staff while establishing priorities and ensuring high-quality service deliveryEvaluate benefit plans, market trends, utilization, and costs and recommend strategies that balance competitive benefits with fiscal responsibilityEnsure benefit programs, policies, and procedures comply with applicable federal and state requirementsOversee benefit vendors, third-party administrators, contracts, audits, and performancePartner with legal counsel, consultants, carriers, and other providers on plan design and administrationOversee benefits administration and reporting within Workday and ensure accurate benefit and census dataDevelop and manage the section budget and prepare recommendations and Board actions related to benefit programs and contractsProvide strategic guidance to senior management and resolve complex or sensitive benefit issuesWhat We’re Looking ForBachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and experienceMinimum of six years of professional HR experience in benefits design and administration, including three years of management experienceStrong knowledge of employee benefits strategy, plan design, administration, compliance, and cost managementDemonstrated experience leading and developing professional staffAbility to evaluate complex benefit programs and translate data and trends into strategic recommendationsStrong vendor, contract, budget, and project management skillsExcellent communication, presentation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skillsMaster’s degree, public agency experience, benefits certification, Workday HRIS knowledge, and employee self-service experience are desirableWhy You’ll Love It HereShape benefit strategies that directly support OCTA’s employees and their familiesInfluence programs that strengthen employee well-being, recruitment, and retentionServe as a strategic HR leader and partner with senior management on important workforce initiativesLead and develop a talented Benefits team while driving continuous improvementBalance innovation, employee experience, and fiscal stewardship in designing competitive benefit programsJoin a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA’s programs.OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.