Benefits Director

Benefits Director

The Benefits Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the benefits team and client engagement. This role ensures the seamless administration of all PEO-sponsored benefit plans, drives operational excellence, and delivers exceptional client and employee experience. The Benefits Director partners closely with executive leadership, client services, and cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions, streamline processes, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This position requires a proactive leader with strong analytical, communication, and relationship-management skills who can balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution.

Essential duties and requirements include:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the benefits team, ensuring alignment with Optimum's values, quality review results, and performance standards.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and quarterly performance reviews to provide coaching, feedback, and development plans for direct reports.
• Review, approve, and manage time-off requests while ensuring adequate departmental coverage.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture, encouraging accountability and continuous learning.
• Partner with leadership to recruit, interview, and onboard top talent through Optimum's top-grading hiring process.
• Serve as a strategic resource for clients, providing consultative guidance on PEO-sponsored benefit plans, plan design changes, and compliance updates.
• Act as a liaison for clients during benefit overviews, plan amendments, and escalated benefits-related issues.
• Ensure timely and accurate responses to client and employee benefit inquiries to deliver a superior customer experience.
• Partner with the Client Services team to proactively address potential client concerns and enhance retention.
• Oversee the administration of all PEO-sponsored benefit plans, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Manage the preparation and execution of the annual electronic open enrollment process, including developing timelines, client communications, and portal readiness.
• Lead ACA planning and compliance efforts for clients, including monitoring regulatory updates and guiding internal teams on necessary actions.
• Coordinate and conduct Premium Only Plan (POP) discrimination testing for applicable clients.
• Review benefit-related documents, including summary plan descriptions, pricing analyses, and client-facing materials, to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• Continuously evaluate, develop, and improve departmental processes to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Analyze client experience survey scores and identify opportunities to elevate the client journey and employee satisfaction.
• Update benefit forms, resources, and communication templates on an annual basis or as needed.
• Collaborate with leadership to design and implement strategic initiatives that support company goals and client retention.
• Serve as a backup resource for complex client conversions and high-value accounts when needed.
• Assist with any assignments provided by management.

Work experience and education: Bachelor's degree preferred with seven or more years' experience in benefits; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three or more years of prior management experience. Advanced knowledge of ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other applicable regulations.

Skills:

• Ability to preserve confidentiality of information
• Ability to complete projects independently in a remote environment during set work hours with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong time management skills
• Strong initiative and good judgment
• Ability to work within strict deadlines
• Good interpersonal skills and desire to be a team player
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Excellent written communication skills (i.e. writing, grammar, etc.)
• Excellent oral communication skills (i.e. ability to deal effectively with others, speak professionally on the phone, etc.)
• Work autonomously or with a group
• Strong sense of ethics
• Team player that embraces Optimum's core values
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Position is remote within Southern California. Employee may work from home or in office but is expected to come to the office occasionally for meetings or attend client visits.