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Employee Benefits Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Manager, Benefits

Tustin, CA · On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

Evaluate benefits usage, analyze costs, and benchmark against industry standards to make ... Employee Support & Internal Stakeholder Management * Lead annual open enrollment, including system ...

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All JobsEmployee Benefits JobsEmployee Benefits Manager JobsEmployee Benefits Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

Employee Benefits Manager information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$77.7K

$111K

$143.4K

How much do employee benefits manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee benefits manager in Riverside, CA is $110,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $133,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an employee benefits manager?

To thrive as an Employee Benefits Manager, you need strong knowledge of benefits administration, compliance with employment laws, and analytical skills, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems), benefits management platforms, and certifications like CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) is valuable. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital for designing effective benefits programs, ensuring legal compliance, and providing support to employees and leadership alike.

What does an employee benefits manager do?

An Employee Benefits Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing employee benefits programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. They ensure compliance with legal regulations, negotiate with benefits providers, and educate employees about their options. Their role helps organizations attract and retain talent while optimizing costs and maintaining employee satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by employee benefits managers and how can they be addressed?

Employee Benefits Managers often face challenges such as staying up-to-date with changing regulations, balancing cost-effectiveness with employee satisfaction, and managing complex benefits queries from staff. Effective solutions include ongoing professional development to remain informed about legal changes, leveraging data analytics to assess and modify benefits plans, and maintaining clear communication channels with employees. Collaborating closely with payroll, finance, and external vendors also helps streamline processes and resolve issues efficiently. Proactively addressing these challenges ensures smoother program administration and supports overall organizational goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Employee Benefits jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Employee Benefits jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Employee Benefits Manager jobs in Riverside, CA? For Employee Benefits Manager jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Employee Benefits Manager jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Employee Benefits Manager jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Employee Benefits Manager jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Employee Benefits Manager job openings:
Employee Benefits Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Employee Benefits Manager job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,976 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Section Manager II, Benefits

Orange County Transportation Authority

Orange, CA • On-site

$117K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Orange County Transportation Authority rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Description
Benefits Manager - Section Manager II
Under general guidance, leads the design, administration, and continuous improvement of OCTA's employee benefits programs. This position oversees benefits strategy, program administration, compliance, vendor management, and staff development to ensure benefits programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the agency's strategic goals. As a member of the Human Resources leadership team, this role helps shape programs that support employee well-being, recruitment, retention, and organizational success.
This is an exempt position in salary grade 220: Min - $117,228.80 | Mid - $139,276.80 | Max - $161,304.00/year. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.
This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.
What You'll Do
  • Lead the administration and strategic direction of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, pension plans, deferred compensation, wellness initiatives, and other benefit offerings
  • Supervise and develop the benefits section staff, providing leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities
  • Oversee benefits operations, program implementation, audits, compliance activities, and vendor performance management
  • Develop, update, and implement benefits policies, procedures, and program enhancements to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
  • Collaborate with legal counsel, insurance carriers, trustees, and third-party administrators regarding benefits plan administration and program changes
  • Manage benefits-related contracts, Board actions, procurement activities, and vendor negotiations
  • Ensure benefits programs integrate effectively with HR systems, including Workday, and support employee self-service functionality
  • Develop and manage section budgets, monitor expenditures, and support long-term financial planning for benefits programs
  • Prepare reports, presentations, statistical analyses, and recommendations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors

What We're Looking For
  • Extensive knowledge of employee benefits design, administration, compliance, and industry best practices
  • Strong leadership and management skills with experience developing high-performing teams
  • Experience managing complex vendor relationships, contracts, and third-party administrators
  • Ability to analyze benefits trends, conduct benchmarking studies, and develop data-driven recommendations
  • Strong understanding of applicable federal and state laws governing employee benefit programs
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to balance employee needs, customer service, and organizational objectives while driving strategic outcomes

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum five (5) years of professional Human Resources experience in benefits design and administration
  • Minimum three (3) years of management experience

Highly Desirable Qualifications:
  • Master's degree
  • Public sector experience
  • Professional benefits certification
  • Knowledge of Workday software and employee self-service platforms
  • Classification and Compensation experience in a public agency environment

Why You'll Love It Here
  • Lead programs that directly impact employee well-being, engagement, and retention
  • Shape strategic benefits initiatives for one of Southern California's leading public transportation agencies
  • Collaborate with executive leadership on innovative HR and workforce strategies
  • Work in an environment that values service, innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the employee experience while supporting OCTA's mission and long-term success

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.
Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA's workforce and employee experience.
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.

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