Benefits Manager

Benefits ManagerAs a Benefits Manager, you'll play a central role in shaping the employee experience by administering comprehensive benefits and retirement programs with integrity and a commitment to quality. This role oversees our 401(k) plan, self-funded medical plan, carve-out pharmacy program, and additional ancillary plans; ensuring compliance, delivering real value, and serving as the primary resource for employee inquiries and education. Beyond benefits, this role supports bi-weekly payroll operations and partners with HR and finance to keep programs aligned. With an innovative mindset and a genuine care for community, you'll evaluate vendors, identify trends, and recommend improvements that reflect our commitment to our people.Job Responsibilities:401(k) Program Management Oversee the daily administration of the company's 401(k) plan, including but not limited to enrollment, contribution, loans, and distributions. Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, and other applicable laws. Coordinate and manage with third-party administrators and investment advisors to optimize plan performance and employee participation. Conduct employee education sessions to promote understanding and engagement with the 401(k) program. Provide support for the 5500 audit for yearly compliance.Evaluate TPAs, Brokers, and Vendors associated with the 401(k) ProgramHealth and Ancillary Benefits Management Manage the self-funded medical plan, including claims administration, stop-loss insurance, and coordination with the captive insurance structure. Monitor plan performance, analyze claims data, and implement cost-containment strategies. Collaborate with brokers, TPAs, and reinsurers to ensure the plan meets employee needs and financial objectives. Ensure compliance with ACA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements. Ensure billing aligns with claims data across all plans. Evaluate TPAs, Brokers, and Vendors associated with our Benefits Program. Administer the carve-out pharmacy benefit program, working with the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) to optimize formulary design and cost efficiency. Review pharmacy claims and utilization data to identify trends and opportunities for savings. Educate employees on pharmacy benefits and support the resolution of coverage issues if they occur. Administer and manage ancillary benefit plans. Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing exceptional service and support. Develop and distribute benefits communication materials to enhance employee understanding and engagement. Maintain accurate records of employee benefits and update systems as necessary. This includes but is not limited to: reconciliation of monthly invoices and ensuring employees are deducted for their benefit elections. Stay current on the industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to recommend improvements to benefits and payroll programs. Analyze and evaluate existing benefits programs and recommended improvements. Support annual open enrolment, including plan design, vendor negotiations, and employee communications. Be the point of contact and reconcile billing for all benefits plans. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefitsPayroll Administration Support Support end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing for all employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Ensure accuracy for all pieces, including but not limited to: regular earnings (Including CA regular rate of pay), overtime, bonus, commissions, wage, garnishments, expense reimbursements, company fleet, meal breaks, split shifts, stipend programs, taxes, and deductions. Audit and review timekeeping systems to ensure accuracy and follow up with managers to ensure timely submissions to process payroll. Support payroll systems, tax filings, and deductions, including benefits-related contributions. Liaison with state and federal agencies for tax purposes. Address employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies promptly. These corrections include preparing support for any off-cycle payments, including but not limited to: final pay, manual payroll checks, corrections, and year-end bonus. Coordinate with HR and finance teams to align payroll with benefits and budgeting processes.Perform activities necessary for year-end, including but not limited to W2s, 1095Cs, 1099s, and ACA reporting. Perform employment verifications. Reporting for finance departments to support benefits and payroll processes. Support additional ad-hoc reporting to support finance, safety, and HR departments.Desired Experience/ Traits Who You Are: Personal curiosity in improving skills Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, listening, critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills. Honest, Dependable, high integrity, team player, and passionate.Skills and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred 3+ Years of experience in benefits administration, with specific expertise in 401(k) plans, self-funded medical plans, and pharmacy benefits. In-depth knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, IRS regulations, and other relevant compliance requirements. Experience with captive insurance structures is highly preferred. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret claims data, financial reports, and utilization trends. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-service mindset. Proficiency in HRIS, benefit administrative platforms, Google Suite/Excel. Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar certification is a plus.Job Details: Location: San Diego, CA brewery. In the office, 4 days a week are required. Salary: $85,000 – $95,000 – commensurate with experience Bonus: Eligible for discretionary annual bonus up to 15% of base pay. Benefits: Company-paid health, vision, dental, life, 401k with 5% company match, and Paid Parental Leave Community Program: In addition to Paid Time Off, all team members receive one paid day per month to dedicate to volunteering activities. We value internal mobility and team equity. We are an equal opportunity employer – we thrive when we champion diversity and inclusion. We are welcoming, respectful, and supportive at work and in our community. We encourage and welcome members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.Physical Demands:The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Primarily works in a seated position; however, standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required. May sit or stand for extended periods throughout the workday. Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, phone, and other office equipment. Repetitive motions involving typing, clicking, and data entry. Occasional lifting and/or moving of items up to 25+ pounds. Prolonged exposure to computer screens. Ability to manage frequent interruptions and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment. Ability to perform tasks requiring visual acuity, including working with items at close range and adjusting focus, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to recognize and respond to instructions and alert signals in the work environment.