Benefits Program Manager

Summary of Job Description:

The Benefits Program Manager position is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, communication, and administration of employee benefits programs. This position ensures that programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the company's goals and values. The Manager partners with vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless benefits operations and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Designs, manages, and evaluates employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement (401(k)/pension), and wellness. Analyzes benefits utilization and costs and prepares reports with data-driven recommendations for changes.
• Ensures employee benefit programs are properly administered and legally compliant with all federal state, and local laws (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPASA, COBRA, FMLA, etc.
• Conducts analysis to evaluate the rate structure and works with the benefits vendor (consulting firm) to recommend changes to benefit plans to improve coverage and/or deliver benefits more cost effectively.
• Monitors benefits trends and benchmark data to ensure competitiveness and fiscal responsibility. Provides recommendations on improving benefits based on detailed competitive analysis with peer organizations in order to address employee concerns and ensure Panda is fully competitive.
• Partners with payroll, HRIS, and finance teams to ensure accurate and timely processing of benefits-related data.
• Oversees and manages vendor relationships, including performance management and contract negotiations.
• Supports the integration of benefits programs during mergers, acquisitions, or organizational changes.

How we reward you:

• Hybrid Work schedule 
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity*
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
• Bereavement leave*

*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

Your background & experience:

• Bachelor's degree required; business and/or HR major preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in HR and benefits with increasing management responsibility, preferably in a retail/hospitality operations environment.
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position. 

Pay Range: M2: $112,500 - $158,000 / Annual

* Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

#LI-Hybrid

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it's impacting our team or the communities we work in, we're proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You're wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to