Associate Director, Benefits

Ardelyx•Newark, CA

2d•$193,000 - $235,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Benefits will lead the governance and execution of employee benefit programs. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to cross-functional team members, ensuring that benefits programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and compliant with all legal regulations. The Associate Director, Benefits will oversee vendor partnerships, assist with annual renewals and program evaluations, and provide subject matter expertise on health and welfare, retirement and well-being benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or Finance with 8 -10 years of progressive benefits administration experience, preferably in the life sciences or biotech industry, or equivalent experience
Extensive experience managing self-funded health plans, including monitoring claims, stop-loss coverage, and financial performance
Deep knowledge of benefits compliance (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable state laws)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong attention to detail and robust analytical and quantitative skills
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with HR Information Systems (i.e., Paylocity), and leave administration platform (i.e., Tilt)
Strong vendor management and negotiation skills, with a proven track record of delivering cost-efficient, high-quality programs
Experience scaling programs in a high-growth, fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Professional designations such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR are highly valued

Responsibilities

Administer employee benefits programs that align with Company objectives while addressing local market competitiveness, compliance, and employee experience
Oversee benefits education and enrollment for new hires, ensuring a smooth and engaging onboarding experience, including developing and delivering benefits presentations, materials, and tools for new hire orientation
Manage and lead the planning and execution of annual open enrollment, including timeliness, system configuration, communications, and employee support
Manage the Leave of Absence program and process, ensuring all nationwide leaves comply with legally required mandates, SDI/pay coordination, FMLA, and internal policies
Design, implement, and evaluate wellness and well-being initiatives that support employee health, engagement, and productivity Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and ensure all plans adhere to federal, state, and local laws, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA, including annual 5500 filings and plan audits
Manage employee benefit plan vendors, brokers, and consultants, ensuring high service levels and cost-effective solutions
Drive effective communication and education strategies to maximize employee understanding and engagement in employee benefit offerings
Utilize employee feedback, market trends, and analytics to continuously improve employee experience
Collaborate with HR Operations, Payroll, IT, and other HR team members to ensure smooth administration and automation of employee benefit processes
Act as a final point of escalation for complex employee benefit inquiries and sensitive claims issues