Manager, Benefits

California Water Service

Job Description:

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the third‑largest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.
SUMMARY:
Primary Function:
The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic design, administration, compliance, and ongoing evaluation of all employee benefit programs for the Company and its subsidiaries. This role ensures programs are competitive, cost effective, compliant with all applicable state and federal regulations, and administered with strong internal controls. The position partners closely with Finance, Internal Audit, Legal, and benefits leadership to ensure alignment on strategy, compliance, audits, and operational execution. The role is based on site in San Jose, California.

Essential Functions:

Leadership & Program Oversight

• Lead the design, implementation, administration, and governance of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, leaves of absence, wellness programs, service awards, and time‑off programs
• Manage and develop benefits staff, including work prioritization, performance management, coaching, and professional development
• Serve as a subject matter expert for employee benefits across the organization and ensure consistent execution of benefit strategies

Vendor & Financial Management

• Oversee all benefits vendor relationships, including carriers, administrators, brokers, consultants, and recordkeepers; ensure service levels, performance metrics, and contractual obligations are met
• Lead renewal, negotiation, and RFP processes to manage costs and enhance program value
• Analyze benefit plan data and prepare monthly and quarterly reporting; identify trends, risks, and cost drivers and communicate findings to leadership

Compliance, Governance & Audit

• Ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations governing employee benefit plans, including ERISA (as applicable), ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related reporting requirements
• Lead Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance activities, including development of processes, controls, and completion of annual filings
• Assist in managing the Form 5500 process for health and welfare plans, including coordination with vendors, auditors, and internal stakeholders
• Serve as primary benefits contact for internal and external auditors related to health and welfare benefit plans
• Ensure Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) controls related to benefits administration are designed, documented, and operating effectively
• Oversee claims audits and reviews; identify and recommend opportunities to mitigate financial, regulatory, or fiduciary risk

Employee Experience & Communications

• Lead and manage annual open enrollment for employee and retiree health and welfare benefit programs
• Oversee development and delivery of clear, comprehensive benefits communications, education, and employee self‑service tools
• Resolve escalated employee and retiree inquiries regarding benefit programs

Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor industry, regulatory, and market trends to ensure benefit programs remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational strategy
• Partner cross‑functionally with Finance, Legal, Risk Management, and benefits leadership to align priorities, governance, compliance activities, audits, and operational execution
• Evaluate and support implementation of alternative benefit strategies, including self‑insured arrangements where appropriate

Other Duties

• Performs work on‑site at the assigned office location
• Performs other similar duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration, including experience with self‑insured plans
• 5 years of experience in a management, senior analyst, or program leadership capacity
• Demonstrated experience managing the Form 5500 process for health and welfare plans, including coordination with vendors and auditors
• Demonstrated experience managing audits, regulatory filings, and internal controls related to health and welfare benefit plans
• Demonstrated experience working in close alignment with benefits leadership to ensure coordination of strategy, compliance, audits, vendor management, and operational execution
• Strong analytical, project management, and vendor management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Valid California Driver License

Salary Range: $123,700 - $178,900 (DOE)

Deadline to submit resume is OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity.  California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class.  The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES