Section Manager III, Benefits

Job Description

Benefits Manager – Section Manager III

Under general direction, provides strategic leadership for the design, development, administration, and delivery of OCTA’s employee benefit programs. This position develops benefit strategies that support employee needs, regulatory compliance, cost effectiveness, and OCTA’s ability to attract and retain talent. Serves as a member of the Human Resources strategy team and leads the Benefits section and its staff.

This is an exempt position in salary grade 235:Min – $135,678.40 | Mid – $161,200.00 | Max – $186,700.80/year. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.

This posting will remain open until Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of OCTA’s employee benefit programs
• Oversee health and welfare benefits, pension, deferred compensation, leaves of absence, wellness, and other employee programs
• Lead, develop, and mentor Benefits staff while establishing priorities and ensuring high-quality service delivery
• Evaluate benefit plans, market trends, utilization, and costs and recommend strategies that balance competitive benefits with fiscal responsibility
• Ensure benefit programs, policies, and procedures comply with applicable federal and state requirements
• Oversee benefit vendors, third-party administrators, contracts, audits, and performance
• Partner with legal counsel, consultants, carriers, and other providers on plan design and administration
• Oversee benefits administration and reporting within Workday and ensure accurate benefit and census data
• Develop and manage the section budget and prepare recommendations and Board actions related to benefit programs and contracts
• Provide strategic guidance to senior management and resolve complex or sensitive benefit issues

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of six years of professional HR experience in benefits design and administration, including three years of management experience
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits strategy, plan design, administration, compliance, and cost management
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing professional staff
• Ability to evaluate complex benefit programs and translate data and trends into strategic recommendations
• Strong vendor, contract, budget, and project management skills
• Excellent communication, presentation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills
• Master’s degree, public agency experience, benefits certification, Workday HRIS knowledge, and employee self-service experience are desirable

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Shape benefit strategies that directly support OCTA’s employees and their families
• Influence programs that strengthen employee well-being, recruitment, and retention
• Serve as a strategic HR leader and partner with senior management on important workforce initiatives
• Lead and develop a talented Benefits team while driving continuous improvement
• Balance innovation, employee experience, and fiscal stewardship in designing competitive benefit programs

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.

Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA’s programs.

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.