Benefits Operations Manager

BlackLine•Pleasanton, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Benefits Operations Manager, you will serve as both a strategic regional operational partner and a hands-on executor for our North American (US, Canada, Mexico) group benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, and wellness. This is a highly autonomous, Individual Contributor role with no direct reports. As the sole dedicated operational resource for the AMER region, you will serve as the primary front-line point of contact for internal customers, doing the necessary ground level work to execute day to day administration, compliance and open enrollment. The immediate focus will be to personally manage and stabilize regional workflows, optimize HRIS, and lay the groundwork to transition manual administrative tasks to AI agents and automated processes. We’re seeking a highly proactive benefits professional who anticipates needs, identifies problems, and executes solutions independently.

Requirements

5+ years of hands-on experience in US benefits administration and operations, with experience in Canada and/or Mexico highly preferred.
Proven comfort and capability working as a true Individual Contributor with no dedicated administrative support or direct reports.
A proactive, systems-minded thinker who excels at identifying broken or highly manual processes and implementing automated, scalable solutions.
Proven ability to seamlessly balance high-level operational strategy with heavy, day-to-day tactical administration in a fast-paced environment.
Independent, detail-oriented, and a self-starter with a strong customer-service focus.
Exceptional data management, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Deep experience utilizing HRIS (Workday preferred) and vendor systems to drive operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

Act as the strategic lead for regional process optimization by mapping out highly manual administrative tasks and partnering with HR Tech to implement tech-driven efficiencies, workflows, and AI solutions.
Maintain deep, independent involvement in day-to-day operations, personally administering AMER benefit programs and ensuring alignment with company policies and regional compliance.
Personally manage and answer the daily regional benefits ticketing queue, serving as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries across the US, Canada, and Mexico, handling everything from basic questions to highly complex vendor escalations.
Present benefits information during new hire orientations and maintain ongoing face time with employees throughout the year (e.g., Q&A sessions, webinars) to promote benefits engagement.
Draft and distribute clear, engaging company-wide communications regarding benefit plan changes, wellness newsletters, and updates.
Ensure regional compliance by managing the ACA process, COBRA administration, and the distribution of legally required notices (e.g., SPDs, SBCs).
Audit and reconcile monthly premium billing from regional insurance carriers, and assist leadership with the annual broker renewal process, vendor evaluations, and RFPs, holding vendors accountable for data file accuracy and SLA adherence.
Drive the operational execution of annual open enrollment (including system testing and auditing data), and independently process new hires, terminations, and qualifying life events throughout the year.
Work with internal stakeholders and third-party vendors to monitor integration files, resolve data errors, and support internal reporting for 401(k)/RRSP audits, annual compliance testing, and year-end data collection.
Partner with the Global Leave of Absence Program Manager to coordinate regional pay and system updates for employees on leave, acting as a day-to-day back-up for AMER leave administration to bridge global time zone differences.
Process the initial claims reporting and administrative coordination for the regional Workers' Compensation program.
Administer regional wellness programs and other secondary company perks.
Act as the primary project manager for the operational rollout of new regional benefit programs, carrier transitions, and HRIS integrations.