Benefits Manager

You have 8+ years of progressive experience in Benefits, Leave, or Total Rewards, U.S.-based with strong multi-state expertise and a track record of global program ownership. You’ve led implementations such as carrier transitions and PEO migrations, ensuring compliance, cost efficiency, and a great employee experience.

You have strong analytical and strategic skills. You use data to evaluate trade-offs, influence decisions, and continuously improve benefits offerings. You’re comfortable in Excel/Google Sheets, dashboards, and data storytelling, turning insights into clear, actionable recommendations.

You have excellent written communication skills and documentation practices. As part of a 100% remote team, you communicate complex information clearly and succinctly. You document thoughtfully, maintain accurate records, and keep key stakeholders aligned.

You have strong attention to detail. You act as a subject matter expert (SME) in benefits, leave, accommodations, and wellness, collaborating across People Ops, Finance, and Legal to ensure programs are compliant, scalable, and financially responsible.

You’re strong at time management. You can balance multiple fast-moving projects, work autonomously, and build scalable, efficient processes that support business growth.

You have an AI-first mindset. You’re naturally curious about AI and regularly experiment with automation tools to streamline operations and enhance the employee experience.

Things You’ll Do:

Benefits Management

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of health, life, disability, retirement, fertility, and other specialized benefit programs across the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Spain, and India.
• Own high-impact deliverables such as U.S. Open Enrollment, carrier transitions, and global benefit renewals, with attention to cost-efficiency and compliance.
• Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams to refine benefits processes as the company scales and integrates new entities, ensuring financial stewardship in program decisions.
• Oversee vendor and broker relationships, including proficiency with related contracts, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective service delivery.
• Lead benefit carrier transitions and implementation of new programs/vendors, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and a seamless employee experience.
• Ensure all benefits programs meet or exceed compliance standards (HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, ADA, ERISA, STD/LTD, FSA, HSA, etc.) and recommend adjustments based on compliance updates, industry trends, and employee feedback.

Leaves of Absence and Accommodations

• Partner with the Sr. Benefits Analyst to lead the design and management of Zapier’s global leave programs (medical, parental, and statutory), ensuring legal compliance and fiscal accountability.
• Partner with third-party providers and payroll to ensure accurate and timely delivery of leaves, salary continuation, and benefits coverage.
• Stay current on evolving compliance requirements (FMLA, CFRA, PFL, ADA, LTD/STD, etc.) and proactively recommend cost-conscious program adjustments.
• Implement new processes and policies to improve both compliance reliability and employee experience.

Specialized Benefits Programs

• Oversee fertility and other specialized benefit programs, ensuring they remain compliant, inclusive, and cost-effective.
• Evaluate new and emerging benefits (e.g., caregiving, financial wellbeing, mental health) through a compliance and cost-effectiveness lens.
• Partner with vendors to ensure programs are delivered effectively and aligned with both budgetary considerations and employee needs.
• Monitor utilization and financial impact of specialized programs, providing insights and recommendations for sustainable improvements.

Collaboration & Communication

• Act as Zapier’s global subject matter expert (SME) for benefits and leave, advising executives and People leaders on compliance, financial impact, and program design.
• Build transparent, strategic partnerships with Finance, Compensation, Legal, Payroll, and People Ops to ensure benefits align with organizational goals and budget stewardship.
• Translate technical and compliance-heavy benefits information into clear, empathetic communications for employees and managers.
• Transparently communicate program progress, risks, trade-offs, and financial considerations, influencing stakeholders to achieve alignment.

Team Mentorship & Development

• Coach and mentor teammates, sharing best practices in compliance and cost-effective program management.
• Increase team capability by sourcing and acting on feedback, inclusively supporting others to achieve shared goals.
• Serve as a culture carrier, leading by example in compliance, financial responsibility, and inclusive decision-making.