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Benefits Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC Responsibilities The ... SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs ...

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC Responsibilities The ... SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs ...

Program Manager

Port Hueneme, CA · Hybrid

$135K - $150K/yr

Program Manager Astor & Sanders Corporation (Astor) is an award-winning IT solutions provider ... Benefits Astor & Sanders Corporation (www.astor-sanders.com) offers a unique, stimulating and ...

Deputy Program Manager

Edwards, CA · On-site

$166K - $218K/yr

The Deputy Program Manager provides on-site leadership for F-35 Joint Program Office information ... are benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training ...

Deputy Program Manager

Edwards, CA · On-site

$166K - $218K/yr

Overview The Deputy Program Manager provides on-site leadership for F-35 Joint Program Office ... are benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training ...

Program Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$93K - $156K/yr

The Program Manager will be responsible for the execution of projects and programs under the ... Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, 401k, flexible spending and health savings ...

Program Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site +1

$93K - $156K/yr

The Program Manager will be responsible for the execution of projects and programs under the ... Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, 401k, flexible spending and health savings ...

PROGRAM MANAGER

Norco, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Serves as the key management link across the programs but with the ability to navigate and ... We offer a customizable health benefits program that best meets the needs of its employees.

PROGRAM MANAGER

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Serves as the key management link across the programs but with the ability to navigate and ... We offer a customizable health benefits program that best meets the needs of its employees.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Norco, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Serves as the key management link across the programs but with the ability to navigate and ... We offer a customizable health benefits program that best meets the needs of its employees.

PROGRAM MANAGER

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Serves as the key management link across the programs but with the ability to navigate and ... We offer a customizable health benefits program that best meets the needs of its employees.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Ventura, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Serves as the key management link across the programs but with the ability to navigate and ... We offer a customizable health benefits program that best meets the needs of its employees.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Ventura, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Serves as the key management link across the programs but with the ability to navigate and ... We offer a customizable health benefits program that best meets the needs of its employees.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Serves as the key management link across the programs but with the ability to navigate and ... We offer a customizable health benefits program that best meets the needs of its employees.

Showing results 21-40

Benefits Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do benefits program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for benefits program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a benefits program manager?

A Benefits Program Manager is a human resources professional responsible for designing, implementing, and managing employee benefits programs within an organization. This includes overseeing health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and other employee perks. Their role involves ensuring compliance with relevant laws, evaluating program effectiveness, and serving as a key point of contact for employees' benefits questions. They also work with vendors and negotiate contracts to provide the best options for staff while balancing organizational costs.

How does a benefits program manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure effective benefits administration?

Benefits Program Managers work closely with HR, payroll, and finance teams to coordinate and deliver comprehensive employee benefits. They often partner with legal and compliance departments to stay updated on regulations and ensure all programs adhere to current laws. Regular communication with department heads and external vendors is essential for managing enrollments, addressing employee concerns, and implementing new benefits initiatives smoothly. This collaborative approach helps maintain a well-functioning and legally compliant benefits program throughout the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a benefits program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Benefits Program Manager, you need expertise in employee benefits administration, compliance knowledge, and a background in HR or business, often backed by a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with HRIS platforms, benefits management software, and certifications like Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate plan management, legal compliance, and clear communication of complex benefits information to employees.

What is the difference between Benefits Program Manager vs Benefits Coordinator?

AspectBenefits Program ManagerBenefits Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesDesigning, managing, and optimizing employee benefits programsAdministering benefits plans, assisting employees with benefits questions
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, HR certifications (e.g., CEBS), experience in benefits managementBachelor's degree, HR or benefits-related certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-department collaboration, policy developmentAdministrative tasks, employee interaction, benefits enrollment
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, HR departmentsFound in various organizations, often entry-level or support roles

The Benefits Program Manager focuses on developing and overseeing benefits strategies, while the Benefits Coordinator handles day-to-day benefits administration. Both roles require HR knowledge, but the Program Manager has a broader, strategic scope.

What degree do I need to be a benefits program manager?

A benefits program manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of benefits administration, HR software, and compliance regulations; some roles may prefer or require a master's degree or professional certifications such as the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS).

What does a benefits program manager do?

A benefits program manager oversees the design, implementation, and administration of employee benefit plans such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. They ensure compliance with regulations, analyze program effectiveness, and collaborate with vendors and internal teams to meet organizational goals. Strong communication, project management skills, and knowledge of benefits regulations are essential for this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Benefits Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Benefits Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Benefits Program Manager job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

Program Manager

San Diego, CA • On-site

Systems Planning and Analysis
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$190K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the overall planning, direction, and success of major programs, systems development efforts, and research or technology initiatives.

  • Formulate, guide, and direct the technical approach, and negotiate with activity and agency personnel for necessary resources.

  • Establish and control technical milestones, schedules, budgets, and costs for the program.


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
SPA's Sea Land Air (SLA) Division supports a diverse portfolio of national security government clients, including the Undersea Enterprise, the Navy Surface Community, the Navy MPTE Enterprise, the Air Force, Army, DoD Agencies, DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary objective is to provide timely, objective and analytic assessments that integrate the policy, operational, technical, programmatic and acquisition aspects of our clients' challenges. Leveraging both in-domain and cross-domain expertise to maximize our clients' success, SLA Division acts as trusted agents to senior decision-makers and key leaders and excels at providing data driven analytic insights, systems engineering, strategies and plans that address current and emerging challenges to national security.
SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC
Responsibilities
The Program Manager is concerned with the overall planning, direction and success of major programs, systems development efforts, and research or technology initiatives which have great significance to the activity's and agency's needs. Programs are typically large, multi-year efforts divided into several sub-programs/tasks. The Program Manager is also responsible for the overall program definition, organization, and direction of short and long range plans. This includes the responsibility for formulating, guiding, and directing the technical approach; and defining and negotiation with activity and agency personnel for necessary resources. Establishment and control of technical milestones, schedules, budgets and costs are also essential tasks for the Program Manager.
The ideal Program Manager will possess experience in performing the following tasks:
- Program Management / administration of the contract/task order
- Supervision of all contractors on the contract/task order
- Knowledge and experience working with large DoD contracts
- Knowledge and experience working with ACAT I and ACAT II programs
- Expertise in areas of Program Management, cost control, scheduling, business relations and reporting
- Knowledgeable and experienced with DoD 5000.01, DoD 5000.02, DoD Issuances governing acquisition programs in the DoD Components, and other program management policies addressed in DoD 5000 series
Qualifications
Required
  • 15 years of professional experience in program/project management
  • Bachelor's Degree in any Technical or Managerial discipline
  • Top Secret/SCI Clearance
  • DAWIA Advanced certification in Program Management or similiar (e.g. PMP or DAWIA III)
  • Program management experience with the Navy or comparable Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition agencies
  • Three (3) years of this experience in direct support of a Navy or DoD Acquisition Agency
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

Desired
  • Former Major Navy Program Manager
  • Significant analysis experience
  • Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Pay Range Information
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. California, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $190,000.00/Yr. - USD $230,000.00/Yr.