Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

San Jose, California, United States

Astera Labs provides rack-scale AI infrastructure through purpose-built connectivity solutions. By collaborating with hyperscalers and ecosystem partners, Astera Labs enables organizations to unlock the full potential of modern AI. Astera Labs' Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates CXL, Ethernet, NVLink, PCIe, and UALink semiconductor-based technologies with the company's COSMOS software suite to unify diverse components into cohesive, flexible systems that deliver end-to-end scale-up, and scale-out connectivity. The company's custom connectivity solutions business complements its standards-based portfolio, enabling customers to deploy tailored architectures to meet their unique infrastructure requirements.

Astera Labs is seeking a strategic and knowledgeable Benefits Manager to join our Human Resources team in San Jose, California. As we continue our hyper-growth trajectory as a leader in AI infrastructure connectivity, this role will be instrumental in designing, managing, and optimizing our global benefits programs that attract and retain world-class talent.

This is a high-impact position that goes beyond day-to-day benefits administration. You'll serve as a strategic partner to HR leadership, analyzing market trends, ensuring compliance across multiple geographies, and driving initiatives that enhance the employee experience. The ideal candidate brings a global mindset, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about building benefits programs that support our rapidly scaling workforce across the US, Canada, Asia, and EMEA.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Strategy & Program Management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global benefits strategy aligned with Astera Labs' growth objectives and talent acquisition goals
• Evaluate and benchmark benefits offerings against industry standards and competitors to ensure market competitiveness
• Lead annual benefits renewal processes, including vendor negotiations and plan design recommendations
• Drive innovation in benefits offerings to support employee wellbeing and position Astera Labs as an employer of choice

Global Benefits Coordination

• Oversee end-to-end coordination of benefits programs across all operating regions, including the Canada, Asia, and EMEA, ensuring consistency, equity, and local compliance
• Serve as the primary point of contact for international benefits brokers, third-party administrators, and in-country HR partners
• Harmonize benefit plan designs across geographies while accommodating regional statutory requirements and cultural expectations
• Maintain a centralized benefits governance framework to ensure transparency, auditability, and scalability across all regions

Retirement Plans (401k) Administration

• Manage the full lifecycle of the company's 401(k) plan, including plan design, vendor management, compliance testing, and annual reporting (Form 5500)
• Partner with the 401(k) plan administrator and investment advisors to ensure the plan remains competitive, compliant, and aligned with employee financial wellness goals
• Oversee employer match programs, vesting schedules, and plan amendments in coordination with Finance and Legal
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, and Department of Labor requirements; manage plan audits and non-discrimination testing
• Develop and deliver financial literacy and retirement readiness education to help employees maximize their retirement benefits
• Evaluate and expand retirement offerings for international employees, including country-specific pension and provident fund programs

Paid Time Off (PTO) Program Management

• Design, administer, and continuously improve the company's PTO programs, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and other leave of absence policies
• Ensure PTO policies comply with federal, state, and local regulations across all jurisdictions where Astera Labs operates (including California-specific requirements)
• Partner with Payroll and HRIS teams to ensure accurate PTO accrual, tracking, and reporting
• Benchmark PTO offerings against industry peers to maintain competitiveness and support talent attraction and retention
• Develop clear, accessible PTO communications and manager guides to promote consistent policy application across the organization
• Monitor PTO utilization trends and provide data-driven recommendations to HR leadership to support employee wellbeing and workforce planning

Global Benefits Administration & Compliance

• Manage day-to-day administration of health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs across multiple countries
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and country-specific requirements)
• Partner with external brokers, vendors, and legal counsel to navigate complex regulatory landscapes
• Develop and maintain benefits policies and procedures to support global scalability

Analytics & Communication

• Analyze benefits utilization data, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategic decisions and optimize program ROI
• Develop and deliver clear, engaging benefits communications and educational resources for employees
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution, ensuring a seamless employee experience
• Present benefits insights and recommendations to senior leadership

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Payroll teams to ensure accurate benefits accounting and reporting
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to position benefits as a competitive advantage in recruiting top talent
• Support M&A activities and international expansion by assessing and integrating benefits programs

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration and strategy
• Strong knowledge of US benefits regulations and compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)
• Demonstrated experience managing 401(k) plans, including compliance testing, vendor oversight, and employee education
• Hands-on experience administering PTO programs across multiple states, with working knowledge of California leave laws
• Experience managing relationships with benefits brokers, carriers, and vendors
• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration platforms
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating global benefits across multiple countries, including international retirement and leave programs
• Experience in high-growth technology or semiconductor companies
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

Salary range is $140,000 to $195,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives, and benefits.

We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.