Benefits Manager

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

10h

About The Position

Serves as a strategic thought partner to HR Business Partners and leaders for assigned segments of the organization, with end-to-end ownership of all benefit programs, including health, wellbeing, retirement, and absence management. This role is accountable for translating business and workforce needs into effective benefits solutions aligned to company-wide benefits strategy, exercising independent judgment to balance employee experience, compliance, cost, and organizational impact. The position partners cross-functionally with HR, Legal, Finance, Accounting, IT, vendors, and senior leaders to influence decisions, manage risk, and deliver aligned, scalable benefits solutions.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in human resources, business or related field, or equivalent experience, training, or certifications AND 6+ years of progressive experience developing and implementing employee benefits programs. Some managerial / functional management or lead experience preferred.
• OR Master's degree preferred AND 4+ years of similar experience noted above
• In-depth knowledge of compliance requirements for fully insured and self-funded benefit programs, including HIPAA, ACA, Medicare, COBRA, PCORI, and plan documentation requirements
• Strong vendor management experience, including leading negotiations and driving outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, review invoices, and support accruals and reconciliations
• Expertise in benefits plan design and HRIS configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance
• Proven track record of continuous process improvement, driving efficiency and scalability
• Solid understanding of regulatory and legal requirements related to employee benefits and supporting systems
• Strong understanding of how benefits strategy and operations intersect with organizational objectives and cross-functional partners
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex information and recommend practical, strategic solutions.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders with credibility and confidence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to design and deliver effective employee communications
• Strong consultative skills with the ability to advise and influence leaders using data, expertise, and sound judgment.
• High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and HR/benefits information systems(Workday, ADP, AbscenceSoft).

Nice To Haves

• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) certification is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to analyze benefit program data (claims, business and employee feedback, external market / benchmark information, etc.) and trends to inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Exemplifies intellectual curiosity with a willingness to learn beyond the scope of the job

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary Benefits Business Partner for assigned segments, owning benefits strategy, execution, and issue resolution across all benefit categories, including absence management
• Operates as a peer thought partner to HR Business Partners, proactively advising on benefits implications related to workforce planning, organizational change, talent strategy, and employee experience
• Leads the planning, analysis (including claims, trending, modeling, and/or statistical testing),development, and implementation of benefit programs, using data, market insights, and regulatory expertise to inform recommendations and decisions
• Applies strong critical thinking and independent judgment to evaluate complex or ambiguous situations, balancing policy, compliance, cost, and employee impact
• Manages vendor and broker relationships, including contract negotiation, performance management, and service level agreements, ensuring accountability, quality delivery, and financial stewardship
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA, ACA, Medicare, and COBRA, and oversees required filings (e.g., 5500s, PCORI, CMS) with accuracy and timeliness
• Anticipates risks and opportunities within assigned segments, proactively identifying trends, and recommending strategic or operational improvements
• Develops and delivers clear, effective employee communications and education strategies related to benefit offerings, changes, and enrollment actions
• Leads and contributes to benefits-related projects such as renewals, system implementations, program launches, and process improvements, applying sound project and change management principles
• Builds and maintains strong cross-functional partnerships with HR, Finance, Payroll, IT, Legal, and external vendors to drive alignment and shared outcomes
• Supports benefits-related budget development, forecasting, and ongoing financial management
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• retirement savings plan (with company match)
• paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level