sr. benefits program manager.

The Opportunity On behalf of our client, we are seeking a highly analytical and strategic Senior Benefits Program Manager to lead the evaluation, design, and continuous enhancement of global and domestic employee benefit programs. Partnering directly with executive HR and business leaders, you will shape long-term benefit strategies, oversee complex vendor relationships, and manage high-level initiatives such as vendor transitions and global program harmonizations.

This is a premier role for an expert who balances deep compliance knowledge with financial modeling skills, serving as a trusted advisor to leadership on market trends, cost optimization, and the employee benefit experience.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education & Experience:
  
  
  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or a related field with 12+ years of progressive benefits strategy experience; OR
    
    
  • Master’s degree with 10+ years of experience; OR
    
    
  • PhD with 8+ years of experience.
    
    
• Regulatory Expertise: Deep technical expertise in U.S. benefits compliance, design, and market benchmarking (global benefits experience is highly preferred).
  
  
• Analytical Capability: Exceptional analytical and financial modeling skills, with advanced proficiency in HRIS/benefits databases, data reporting, and tools like Microsoft Excel and Power BI.
  
  
• Leadership & Influence: Proven track record of leading complex projects, influencing executive decision-making, and mentoring junior team members.
  
  
• Communication: Superior presentation and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex benefits concepts to diverse, non-technical audiences.
  
  

salary: $65 - $80 per hour
shift: First
work hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
education: Bachelors

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Benefits Design: Lead the evaluation and strategic design of health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs to ensure cost-effectiveness, competitiveness, and alignment with organizational culture.
  
  
• Open Enrollment & Communications: Direct the annual open enrollment process, developing communication strategies, training materials, and execution plans in close partnership with HRIS, Payroll, and vendor teams.
  
  
• Vendor & Project Leadership: Manage vendor relationships at a strategic level, leading contract negotiations, performance reviews, and partnership growth. Oversee major initiatives including system implementations and global benefit harmonization.
  
  
• Compliance & Governance: Act as the primary escalation point and subject matter expert for complex benefit inquiries. Monitor evolving regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, IRS, DOL, COBRA) and update plan documents, policies, and processes accordingly.
  
  
• Financial Analysis & Benchmarking: Conduct in-depth utilization and cost-driver analyses; build financial models and present actionable recommendations to executive leadership.
  
  
• Mentorship & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coach and mentor junior benefits analysts, supporting team development while collaborating on cross-functional business initiatives.
  
  

Skills

Benefits Administration

open enrollment

Leaves

Project Manager

Leading

Qualifications

Years of experience: 10 years

Experience level: Manager

Randstad is a world leader in matching great people with great companies. Our experienced agents will listen carefully to your employment needs and then work diligently to match your skills and qualifications to the right job and company. Whether you're looking for temporary, temporary-to-permanent or permanent opportunities, no one works harder for you than Randstad.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.

Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.