Sr Manager, Benefits & LOA

Golden Hippo•Los Angeles, CA

3h•$125,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re looking for a thoughtful, service-driven Senior Manager, Benefits & Leave of Absence to lead and evolve the programs that care for our people. This role is critical in ensuring our employees feel supported during life’s most important moments—whether accessing healthcare, navigating a leave, or planning for their financial future. As a trusted leader within the People team, you will own the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of our benefits and leave programs across multiple U.S. states. You will ensure our programs are competitive, compliant, and delivered with a high level of care, empathy, and operational excellence. This role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution, as well as a strong commitment to providing exceptional employee support.

Requirements

7+ years of progressive experience in Benefits and Leave of Absence administration
Deep expertise in U.S. multi-state leave laws, including FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave programs
Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs and regulatory compliance requirements
Experience managing benefits vendors, brokers, and third-party leave administrators
Strong operational and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a compassionate, service-oriented approach
Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism, discretion, and empathy
Strong ownership mindset with the ability to operate independently and drive improvements
Experience with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Nice To Haves

CEBS or related certification is a plus
Master’s Degree.
7-9 years experience in Human Resources/Benefits related role.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategy, design, implementation, and ongoing administration of all employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefits
Continuously evaluate benefit offerings to ensure competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with employee needs and business goals
Manage the annual open enrollment process end-to-end, including planning, system configuration, employee communications, and education
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing timely, accurate, and supportive guidance
Collaborate closely with benefits brokers, carriers, and vendors to resolve issues, improve service delivery, and optimize plan performance
Conduct regular audits of benefits data to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements
Support annual retirement plan audits, including 401(k) and ESOP, by preparing documentation and responding to auditor requests
Develop and maintain benefits policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure consistency and compliance
Monitor benefits utilization, trends, and costs, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement
Own and oversee all leave of absence programs across multiple U.S. states, including FMLA, ADA, CFRA, state-specific leaves, disability, parental leave, and personal leaves
Effectively interpret FMLA, ADA, and state leave laws and apply them appropriately to individual situations
Coordinate payroll processes for paid and unpaid leaves, including HRIS pay classifications, claim tracking, and return-to-work administration
Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and leaders regarding leave-related questions, providing guidance with empathy and clarity
Partner with third-party leave administrators to ensure accurate, compliant, and seamless leave administration
Develop, document, and continuously improve leave procedures to streamline processes and ensure regulatory compliance
Educate HR partners and managers on leave policies, requirements, and best practices
Monitor and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local leave regulations
Monitor, coordinate, and process Workers’ Compensation claims from intake through resolution for all entities
Maintain required documentation, distribute claim forms, and support employees and managers through the claims process
Track leave usage related to Workers’ Compensation and coordinate with Payroll on necessary adjustments
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and proper recordkeeping
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws
Develop clear, accessible communications to help employees understand and fully utilize their benefits and leave options
Maintain accurate and compliant records, documentation, and internal controls
Partner cross-functionally with Payroll, HRIS, Finance, Legal, and People Business Partners to ensure seamless administration
Utilize HRIS and reporting tools to monitor program effectiveness and support informed decision-making
Serve as a trusted subject matter expert and advisor to employees, managers, and leadership

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare coverage – We cover 100% of premiums for medical, dental, and vision plans for employee-only plans.
Through our charity sponsorships, you can make a positive impact on communities worldwide. We’ve donated over $9 million to date.
We match up to 3.5% of your 401k contributions, ensuring your retirement savings grow alongside your career.
6 paid sick and mental health days, an Employee Assistance Program, free weekly yoga and meditation classes, and additional mental health benefits, because we take a holistic approach to your well-being.
Invest in your future with our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, where company contributions fund your retirement plan with company stock.
Professional development opportunities with mentorship, continuous learning programs, and performance-based pay increases, empowering you to progress and excel in your career.
Tuition reimbursement program, which reimburses eligible tuition expenses up to specified amounts, empowering you to invest in your ongoing growth and development.
Work towards our collective goals and earn up to 2 extra weeks of pay each month, based on the achievement of KPIs.
Celebrate your accomplishments with our Win of the Week, Spot Bonus, Work Anniversary, and Shout-Outs programs, where your hard work is not only valued but also acknowledged and rewarded.
Reimbursements for a portion of personal cell phone and internet usage for eligible employees.
For those coming into our Woodland Hills, CA office, you’ll find a fully stocked kitchen and a free on-site gym.
Virtual and in-person company events, like our annual holiday party, happy hours, and virtual cooking nights, designed to cultivate connections and enhance work-life balance.