Job Overview
Compensation
Salary
Range $117,228.80 - $161,304.00
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Job Description
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is a prominent public transportation agency serving Southern California. Known for its commitment to innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement, OCTA plays a vital role in providing efficient and accessible transit solutions to millions of residents and commuters. As a public sector agency, OCTA emphasizes employee wellbeing, strategic growth, and long-term success through dynamic workforce programs and an inclusive work environment that fosters professional development and collaboration.
The Benefits Manager - Section Manager II position at OCTA is a crucial leadership role within the Human Resources department, reporting to senior HR executives and playing an integral part in shaping the agency’s employee benefits landscape. This exempt role offers an attractive salary range between $117,228.80 and $161,304.00 annually, with the final offer reflecting the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The position is designed for a seasoned HR professional with extensive knowledge in benefits administration, compliance, and strategic program development.
In this role, you will lead the design, administration, and ongoing enhancement of OCTA's comprehensive employee benefits programs including health insurance, pension plans, deferred compensation, and wellness initiatives. The Benefits Manager will also supervise the benefits team, fostering staff development, providing guidance and coaching, and overseeing operational activities such as vendor management, contract negotiations, and compliance audits. Collaborating closely with legal counsels, insurance carriers, trustees, and third-party administrators, you will ensure all benefits programs are cost-effective, compliant with federal and state laws, and aligned with organizational goals.
Beyond program management, this position requires strong financial oversight capabilities. You will be responsible for budget development, expenditure monitoring, and financial planning related to employee benefits. Additionally, the role involves integrating benefits platforms with HR information systems including Workday, streamlining employee self-service functionalities, and enhancing operational efficiencies. As a strategic member of the HR leadership team, you will contribute to executive-level presentations, prepare detailed statistical analyses, and support the Board of Directors with data-driven recommendations.
This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the well-being, retention, and engagement of OCTA’s workforce while supporting a mission-driven agency dedicated to public service and community impact. Ideal candidates bring demonstrated expertise in managing complex vendor relationships, deep understanding of current benefits trends, and a proven track record of balancing employee needs with organizational objectives. OCTA champions a supportive work culture that values diverse perspectives, strategic innovation, and continuous professional growth, making this role an excellent fit for experienced HR leaders passionate about creating meaningful, sustainable benefits programs.
The Benefits Manager - Section Manager II position at OCTA is a crucial leadership role within the Human Resources department, reporting to senior HR executives and playing an integral part in shaping the agency’s employee benefits landscape. This exempt role offers an attractive salary range between $117,228.80 and $161,304.00 annually, with the final offer reflecting the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The position is designed for a seasoned HR professional with extensive knowledge in benefits administration, compliance, and strategic program development.
In this role, you will lead the design, administration, and ongoing enhancement of OCTA's comprehensive employee benefits programs including health insurance, pension plans, deferred compensation, and wellness initiatives. The Benefits Manager will also supervise the benefits team, fostering staff development, providing guidance and coaching, and overseeing operational activities such as vendor management, contract negotiations, and compliance audits. Collaborating closely with legal counsels, insurance carriers, trustees, and third-party administrators, you will ensure all benefits programs are cost-effective, compliant with federal and state laws, and aligned with organizational goals.
Beyond program management, this position requires strong financial oversight capabilities. You will be responsible for budget development, expenditure monitoring, and financial planning related to employee benefits. Additionally, the role involves integrating benefits platforms with HR information systems including Workday, streamlining employee self-service functionalities, and enhancing operational efficiencies. As a strategic member of the HR leadership team, you will contribute to executive-level presentations, prepare detailed statistical analyses, and support the Board of Directors with data-driven recommendations.
This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the well-being, retention, and engagement of OCTA’s workforce while supporting a mission-driven agency dedicated to public service and community impact. Ideal candidates bring demonstrated expertise in managing complex vendor relationships, deep understanding of current benefits trends, and a proven track record of balancing employee needs with organizational objectives. OCTA champions a supportive work culture that values diverse perspectives, strategic innovation, and continuous professional growth, making this role an excellent fit for experienced HR leaders passionate about creating meaningful, sustainable benefits programs.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum five (5) years of professional Human Resources experience in benefits design and administration
- Minimum three (3) years of management experience
Job Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of employee benefits design, administration, compliance, and industry best practices
- Strong leadership and management skills with experience developing high-performing teams
- Experience managing complex vendor relationships, contracts, and third-party administrators
- Ability to analyze benefits trends, conduct benchmarking studies, and develop data-driven recommendations
- Strong understanding of applicable federal and state laws governing employee benefit programs
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to balance employee needs, customer service, and organizational objectives while driving strategic outcomes
Job Duties
- Lead the administration and strategic direction of employee benefits programs including health insurance, pension plans, deferred compensation, wellness initiatives, and other benefit offerings
- Supervise and develop the benefits section staff providing leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities
- Oversee benefits operations, program implementation, audits, compliance activities, and vendor performance management
- Develop, update, and implement benefits policies, procedures, and program enhancements to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
- Collaborate with legal counsel, insurance carriers, trustees, and third-party administrators regarding benefits plan administration and program changes
- Manage benefits-related contracts, Board actions, procurement activities, and vendor negotiations
- Ensure benefits programs integrate effectively with HR systems including Workday and support employee self-service functionality
- Develop and manage section budgets, monitor expenditures, and support long-term financial planning for benefits programs
- Prepare reports, presentations, statistical analyses, and recommendations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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