Manager, Benefits Operations and Compliance

Under the direction of the Director, Compensation & Benefits, the Manager of Benefits Operations and Compliance oversees the administration and management of employee benefits and wellness programs. The role is responsible for all aspects of the employee portfolio, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, life insurance, paid time off, and wellness programs. Continuously evaluates and ensures consistent compliance with internal policies and government regulations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Manages and assesses the effectiveness of current programs in achieving organizational objectives; identifies best practices and benchmarks; and develops recommendations for modifications to align to HR strategy and business goals. Effectively plans and directs the implementation and administration of all benefit plans including annual open enrollment efforts. Effectively manages and collaborates with vendors and external partners, including managing the performance of contracts to ensure the maximum value of services is delivered. Partners with HR and leadership on appropriate benefits and wellness packages to recruit and retain talent.
• Is responsible for all ACA reporting and keeps abreast of regulatory changes affecting benefit plans and ensures company benefit plans and practices are in compliance with external regulatory requirements. Develops and coordinates communications strategies and activities designed to educate and inform employees about current benefits and wellness programs and activities. Provides projected annual budget costs for total rewards and manages expenditures related to benefit programs. Serves as the point of escalation for Benefits Analysts responding to employees and managers questions regarding all benefit related matters.
• Develops internal operating procedures and controls for the administering and managing benefits operations. Determines and implements metrics that assess and monitor the effectiveness of ongoing Total Rewards programs and new initiatives. Communicates actively with Accounting, Finance, Operations, Payroll, HR and other departments to review cross-departmental impacts and reconcile data sharing. Manages data in accordance with the company's record retention policies and procedures and state and federal laws and regulations. Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues, records and company information. Completes special projects, as assigned.
• Works with benefit broker on plan design, administration, and compliance with applicable laws. Is responsible for the review of benefit carriers financial reports and contractual arrangements, managing annual benefit premium renewals. Works with benefit broker on an annual detailed analysis of programs, and modelling of proposed changes to determine impact, both from a business and cost perspective and employee perspective. Develops policies, procedures, methods, or standards to ensure fair and equitable administration of all retirement and benefit programs.
• Manages all aspects of 401(k) plan operations, including day-to-day administration, compliance with ERISA and IRS regulations, and timely reporting to government agencies. Coordinates annual nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500 filings, and audit preparation. Partners with plan providers, fiduciaries, and internal stakeholders to ensure plan integrity, operational efficiency, and alignment with organizational retirement strategies. Develops and delivers employee education initiatives to promote financial wellness and retirement readiness.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning reviewing and directing work; evaluating and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Make hiring decisions and designs individual development plans with succession planning in mind for all key roles.

Education, Experience And Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources or related field required.
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive experience in Benefits and Wellness, managing programs for organizations with 2,000+ employees and diverse, multi-tiered benefit offerings across multiple locations or employee groups required.
• Minimum three (3) years of supervisory experience is required.
• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (ksa)

• Working Benefits Committee experience.
• Previous experience in Payroll a plus.
• Sound knowledge of the Regulatory and Legislative imperatives and impacts related to Total Rewards programs (Sec 125, ERISA, 409A, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA etc.).
• Proficient in working with contemporary HR Technology platforms (i.e. Workday).
• Experience in contract negotiation, service-level agreements, and performance metrics for third-party providers. Effective in managing vendor relationships and securing favorable terms.
• Proven ability to assess program effectiveness, interpret data, and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Skilled in leading complex initiatives, including benefit renewals, wellness campaigns, and system implementations.
• Strong written and verbal skills for educating employees, presenting to leadership, and coordinating cross-functionally.
• Adept at resolving escalated issues, navigating ambiguity, and balancing competing priorities.
• Able to respond to regulatory changes, workforce shifts, and evolving employee needs.
• Capable of mentoring staff, influencing stakeholders, and driving change across departments.
• Maintains discretion and integrity when handling sensitive employee and organizational information.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
• CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) certification preferred.
• Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required. Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions – Environment
The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting.
• Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
• Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other
• office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings,
• via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.
• Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.
• Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today