Benefits Director

<div>The Benefits Director oversees the daily functions of the benefits team and client interactions. This role<br />ensures the smooth operation of all PEO-sponsored benefit plans, emphasizes operational excellence, and delivers<br />outstanding client and employee experiences. The Benefits Director collaborates closely with executive leadership, client services,<br />and cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions, streamline processes, and ensure compliance with regulatory<br />standards.<br />This position demands a proactive leader with strong analytical, communication, and relationship-management skills who can<br />balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution.</div> <div>ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS<br />*Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:<br /> Lead, coach, and cultivate the benefits team, ensuring alignment with Optimum’s values, Quality Review Results, and performance criteria.<br /> Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and quarterly performance evaluations to provide coaching, feedback, and<br />growth plans for direct reports.<br /> Review, approve, and oversee time-off requests while maintaining sufficient departmental coverage.<br /> Promote a collaborative and high-performing team atmosphere, fostering accountability and continuous learning.<br /> Collaborate with leadership to recruit, interview, and onboard top talent utilizing Optimum’s top-grading hiring<br />procedure.<br /> Act as a strategic advisor for clients, offering consultative counsel on PEO-sponsored benefit plans, plan<br />modifications, and compliance updates.<br /> Act as a liaison for clients during benefit overviews, plan changes, and escalated benefits-related matters.<br /> Ensure prompt and accurate responses to client and employee benefit queries to deliver an excellent customer<br />experience.<br /> Collaborate with the Client Services team to proactively address potential client concerns and boost retention.<br /> Supervise the management of all PEO-sponsored benefit plans, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational<br />effectiveness.<br /> Oversee the planning and execution of the annual electronic open enrollment process, including developing<br />schedules, client communications, and portal readiness.<br /> Lead ACA planning and compliance efforts for clients, including monitoring regulatory updates and guiding internal<br />teams on necessary actions.<br /> Coordinate and conduct Premium Only Plan (POP) discrimination testing for applicable clients.<br /> Review benefit-related documents, including summary plan descriptions, pricing analyses, and client-facing<br />resources, to ensure accuracy and clarity.<br /> Continuously assess, develop, and enhance departmental procedures to improve efficiency and scalability.<br /> Analyze client experience survey scores and identify opportunities to enhance the client journey and employee<br />satisfaction.<br /> Update benefit forms, resources, and communication templates on a yearly basis or as needed.<br /> Collaborate with leadership to design and implement strategic initiatives that support company goals and client<br />retention.<br /> Serve as a backup resource for complex client conversions and high-value accounts when needed.<br /> Assist with any assignments provided by management.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>Work Experience and Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred with seven or more years’ experience in benefits; or<br />equivalent combination of education and experience. Three or more years of prior management experience. Advanced<br />knowledge of ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other applicable regulations<br />Skills:<br /> Ability to maintain confidentiality of information<br /> Ability to complete projects independently in a remote environment within set work hours with minimal<br />oversight<br /> Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting<br /> Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail<br /> Effective time management skills<br /> Strong initiative and sound judgment<br /> Ability to work within strict deadlines<br /> Excellent interpersonal skills and teamwork mindset<br /> Outstanding customer service abilities<br /> Exceptional written communication skills (e.g. writing, grammar, etc.)<br /> Exceptional oral communication skills (e.g. ability to interact effectively with others, speak professionally on the phone,<br />etc.)<br /> Work independently or collaboratively<br /> Strong ethical compass<br /> Team player embracing Optimum’s core values<br /> Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite</div> <div> </div> <div>Position is remote within Southern California. Employee may work from home or in office but is expected to come to the<br />office occasionally for meetings or attend client visits.</div>