Benefits Director - PEO (JC876)

Benefits Director Santa Ana, CA Lead a high-performing benefits team while delivering strategic, consultative guidance that transforms client experience and drives operational excellence. Must-Haves Bachelor's degree preferred with 7+ years of benefits experience , or equivalent combination of education and experience 3+ years of management experience leading and developing teams Advanced knowledge of

ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA

, and other applicable benefit regulations Proven ability to manage PEO-sponsored benefit plans and ensure compliance Experience leading open enrollment processes , including timeline development and client communications Strong expertise in ACA planning and compliance , including monitoring regulatory updates Demonstrated success in Premium Only Plan (POP) discrimination testing Exceptional customer service and client relationship management skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite Ability to work autonomously in a remote environment with minimal supervision Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines What You'll Accomplish Build and Lead a High-Performing Team Lead, mentor, and develop a benefits team that delivers exceptional results and embodies organizational values Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions and quarterly performance reviews to drive growth and accountability Manage workload distribution, time-off requests, and team coverage to ensure seamless operations Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture that encourages continuous learning and innovation Partner with leadership to recruit and onboard top talent through strategic hiring processes Deliver Strategic Client Partnership Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing consultative guidance on benefit plan design, compliance updates, and strategic recommendations Act as the primary liaison during benefit overviews, plan amendments, and escalated issues Ensure timely, accurate responses to all client and employee benefit inquiries to exceed service expectations Collaborate with Client Services to proactively address concerns, strengthen relationships, and enhance retention Support complex client conversions and high-value accounts as a backup resource Drive Operational Excellence in Benefits Administration Oversee the seamless administration of all PEO-sponsored benefit plans, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency Manage the full lifecycle of the annual electronic open enrollment process , from planning through execution Lead ACA compliance efforts for clients, staying ahead of regulatory changes and guiding internal teams on required actions Coordinate and conduct Premium Only Plan (POP) discrimination testing for applicable clients Review and approve benefit documents, including summary plan descriptions, pricing analyses, and client-facing materials Innovate and Continuously Improve Evaluate and enhance departmental processes to increase efficiency, scalability, and team effectiveness Analyze client experience survey data and identify actionable opportunities to elevate satisfaction Update benefit forms, resources, and communication templates annually or as regulations change Design and implement strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals and support client retention Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to develop innovative benefit solutions What We Offer Remote work flexibility with the option to work from home or the office Opportunity to shape client experience for a growing portfolio Collaborative, values-driven culture that prioritizes team development Strategic leadership role with direct impact on business growth Occasional in-office meetings and client visits for relationship building Ready to Lead With Impact? This is your opportunity to combine strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, driving benefits excellence while building a team that makes a difference for clients every day. Apply today and take the next step in your benefits career.