Lead Benefits Analyst, Americas

Cloud Software Group•San Ramon, CA

About The Position

This role serves as the Lead Benefits Analyst for the Americas region, focusing on the operational leadership of benefits programs. The position involves ensuring accurate administration, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence for benefits and leave of absence programs across the Americas. The analyst will drive improvements in processes, systems, controls, and service delivery, contributing to departmental goals and annual benefits priorities. Key responsibilities include analyzing operational performance, managing complex leave cases, administering various benefit plans, leading compliance activities, managing projects like Open Enrollment, and fostering strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders. The role also involves serving as a subject matter expert for employee inquiries and developing communication materials to enhance understanding of benefit programs. Continuous improvement through analytics and data is a core aspect of this position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience administering employee benefits, preferably within a fast-paced, global or technology organization.
Deep expertise in U.S. self-funded medical plans, Leave of Absence administration, 401(k) compliance, and employee benefits regulations.
Experience managing benefits programs across multiple countries within the Americas; experience supporting Canada, Costa Rica, and Brazil is strongly preferred.
Proven experience leading complex operational projects such as Open Enrollment, vendor implementations, or systems enhancements.
Advanced knowledge of Workday, HRIS platforms, Google Workspace, virtual desktop environments, and vendor administration systems.
Demonstrated ability to improve operational processes, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and manage projects with minimal oversight.
Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with employees, leadership, vendors, and cross-functional partners.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as CEBS, CBP, PHR/SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP.
Experience with benefits analytics, self-funded health plan financial management, and vendor performance management.
Spanish and/or Portuguese language proficiency.

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day operations of benefits programs across the Americas, ensuring accurate administration, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
Serve as the regional operational lead for Benefits, driving improvements to processes, systems, controls, and service delivery.
Contribute to departmental goals, operational planning, and annual benefits priorities by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and employee experience.
Analyze operational performance and recommend enhancements that improve quality, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Serve as the Americas subject matter expert and operational owner for all Leave of Absence (LOA) programs, including statutory and company-sponsored leaves.
Manage complex leave cases across the United States and Canada while supporting regional leave programs in Costa Rica and Brazil.
Partner with Legal, Payroll, HR Business Partners, and third-party administrators to ensure compliant, consistent, and employee-focused leave administration.
Monitor legislative changes and implement process and policy updates to maintain compliance across the region.
Administer self-funded health plans, retirement programs, wellness, disability, and other employee benefit programs across the Americas.
Monitor claims experience, funding requirements, and cost trends for self-funded health plans in partnership with Finance and external vendors.
Lead annual 401(k) operational compliance activities, including audits, nondiscrimination testing, government filings, and vendor coordination.
Manage Workers' Compensation administration and regional reporting requirements.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, provincial, and local regulations governing employee benefit programs.
Lead major operational initiatives including Open Enrollment, vendor implementations, system enhancements, and process improvement projects.
Develop and manage project plans, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, mitigate risks, and ensure successful project execution.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging automation, technology, analytics, and best practices.
Manage relationships with brokers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and benefits technology vendors.
Monitor vendor performance, resolve complex operational issues, and recommend service improvements.
Partner closely with HRIS, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and People Operations to ensure seamless benefits administration and issue resolution.
Serve as the escalation point for complex employee benefits and leave inquiries requiring advanced technical expertise.
Communicate complex or sensitive benefits information clearly, professionally, and with empathy.
Develop employee communications, knowledge resources, and training materials that improve understanding of benefit programs.
Provide guidance, coaching, and subject matter expertise to HR colleagues and team members while promoting operational consistency and best practices.
Analyze benefits utilization, claims data, operational metrics, and employee feedback to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
Develop dashboards, reports, and recommendations for leadership to support operational decision-making.
Lead initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce operational risk, strengthen compliance, and enhance the employee experience.