Section Manager II, Benefits

Job Description Benefits Manager – Section Manager II Under general guidance, leads the design, administration, and continuous improvement of OCTA’s employee benefits programs. This position oversees benefits strategy, program administration, compliance, vendor management, and staff development to ensure benefits programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the agency’s strategic goals. As a member of the Human Resources leadership team, this role helps shape programs that support employee well-being, recruitment, retention, and organizational success. This is an exempt position in salary grade 220: Min – $117,228.80 | Mid – $139,276.80 | Max – $161,304.00/year. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected. What You’ll Do 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 What We’re Looking For 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 Minimum Qualifications: 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 Highly Desirable Qualifications: Master’s degree Public sector experience Professional benefits certification Knowledge of Workday software and employee self-service platforms Classification and Compensation experience in a public agency environment Why You’ll Love It Here Lead programs that directly impact employee well-being, engagement, and retention Shape strategic benefits initiatives for one of Southern California’s leading public transportation agencies Collaborate with executive leadership on innovative HR and workforce strategies Work in an environment that values service, innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the employee experience while supporting OCTA’s mission and long-term success Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued. Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA’s workforce and employee experience. OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status. OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs. We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.

Salary : $117,229