Section Manager II, Benefits

OCTA•Orange, CA

1d•$117,229 - $161,304

About The Position

Under general guidance, leads the design, administration, and continuous improvement of OCTA’s employee benefits programs. This position oversees benefits strategy, program administration, compliance, vendor management, and staff development to ensure benefits programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the agency’s strategic goals. As a member of the Human Resources leadership team, this role helps shape programs that support employee well-being, recruitment, retention, and organizational success. This is an exempt position in salary grade 220: Min – $117,228.80 | Mid – $139,276.80 | Max – $161,304.00/year. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of employee benefits design, administration, compliance, and industry best practices
Strong leadership and management skills with experience developing high-performing teams
Experience managing complex vendor relationships, contracts, and third-party administrators
Ability to analyze benefits trends, conduct benchmarking studies, and develop data-driven recommendations
Strong understanding of applicable federal and state laws governing employee benefit programs
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
Ability to balance employee needs, customer service, and organizational objectives while driving strategic outcomes
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum five (5) years of professional Human Resources experience in benefits design and administration
Minimum three (3) years of management experience

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Public sector experience
Professional benefits certification
Knowledge of Workday software and employee self-service platforms
Classification and Compensation experience in a public agency environment

Responsibilities

Lead the administration and strategic direction of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, pension plans, deferred compensation, wellness initiatives, and other benefit offerings
Supervise and develop the benefits section staff, providing leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities
Oversee benefits operations, program implementation, audits, compliance activities, and vendor performance management
Develop, update, and implement benefits policies, procedures, and program enhancements to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
Collaborate with legal counsel, insurance carriers, trustees, and third-party administrators regarding benefits plan administration and program changes
Manage benefits-related contracts, Board actions, procurement activities, and vendor negotiations
Ensure benefits programs integrate effectively with HR systems, including Workday, and support employee self-service functionality
Develop and manage section budgets, monitor expenditures, and support long-term financial planning for benefits programs
Prepare reports, presentations, statistical analyses, and recommendations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors