Benefits Specialist

Deckers Brands • Goleta, CA

2d • $66,000 - $89,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist II supports the day-to-day administration of employee benefits, retirement, and leave programs, helping provide employees with a seamless benefits experience. The role answers employee questions, resolves issues, and makes benefits information easier to understand and navigate. It works closely with internal teams and external vendors to maintain accurate records, reconcile benefit invoices, support compliance requirements, and keep benefits operations efficient.

The position is based in Goleta, California, with a hybrid schedule typically requiring three days in the office, Tuesday through Thursday. It reports to the Senior Manager, Global Benefits.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of benefits and leave administration or related experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. benefits.
• Excellent customer service, clear and thoughtful communication, strong interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Independent thinking and sound judgment to solve problems, with an understanding of when to collaborate or escalate.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and build cross-functional relationships.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and increased workloads while staying organized and delivering accurate, timely results.
• Ability to safeguard confidential and sensitive employee information.
• High proficiency in Excel, including formulas, lookups, PivotTables, and data reconciliation; comfort working with large data sets and identifying discrepancies.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and experience managing data and working with HR, benefits, or leave administration systems.
• Authenticity, accountability, curiosity, collaboration, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate degree.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or equivalent certification.
• Workday experience.

Responsibilities

• Process benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and dependent eligibility documentation in Workday and vendor systems.
• Support new-hire benefits onboarding and respond to employee questions through Freshdesk and the Benefits inbox; partner with vendors to resolve eligibility, coverage, and claims issues.
• Reconcile benefit invoices, process premium payments, establish and track purchase orders, and partner with Accounting on accruals and period-end reconciliations.
• Coordinate direct billing for employees on unpaid leave.
• Audit benefits and retirement data across Workday, Payroll, and vendor systems, investigating and resolving discrepancies to maintain data accuracy.
• Prepare biweekly benefits-related payroll updates, review retirement plan reports, and support Affordable Care Act eligibility notifications, annual reporting, and employee correspondence.
• Support leave administration by maintaining tracking records, processing leave and return-to-work updates, responding to routine questions, and coordinating leave dates with employees and internal teams.
• Fulfill disability and leave documentation requests and partner with Payroll on earnings information.
• Help deliver annual open enrollment through system updates, employee communications, benefits fairs, meetings, and other program support.
• Distribute benefits and wellbeing materials and collaborate with internal teams and vendors on process improvements and special projects.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation programs and bonuses.
• Financial planning and wellbeing plans to protect income, pay for expenses, and invest in the future.
• Time-away-from-work plans supporting family, health, and time to recharge.
• Employee discounts and community-based programs.
• Personal and professional development opportunities and support.
• Health and wellness programs and offerings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed