Director, Benefits & Payroll
$120,000–$150,000 year
On-siteTorrance, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead the strategy, administration, and optimization of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, wellness, voluntary benefits, leave programs, and retirement plans. Oversee 401(k) governance, vendor management, annual compliance testing, and open enrollment processes while partnering with brokers and carriers. Direct multi-state payroll administration, establishing controls, audits, and year-end activities in close coordination with Finance and Accounting. Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO, Chief People Officer, and executive leadership, presenting analyses on costs, trends, and strategic initiatives. Champion technology, automation, and data analytics to improve efficiency and system integrations across HRIS, payroll, and financial platforms. Ensure full compliance with ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, IRS, and Department of Labor regulations while monitoring legislative changes. Manage a team of 1,600+ professionals across 40+ offices in a fast-paced engineering and science consulting environment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field
- 12+ years of progressive experience in benefits, payroll, total rewards, or related HR leadership functions
- Significant experience overseeing complex employee benefits programs and 401(k) plan administration
- Experience leading payroll operations for a multi-state workforce
- Demonstrated experience partnering directly with senior executives, including Chief Financial Officers and Chief People Officers
- Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen
- Exceptional communication, presentation, deadline-oriented and relationship-building skills
- Strong knowledge of benefits regulations, retirement plans, payroll laws, and compliance requirements
- Experience leading vendor negotiations and managing third-party service providers
- Advanced HRIS (UKG experience strongly preferred), payroll, and benefits technology experience
- highly proficient with data analysis and reporting tools
- Must have proven track record in Payroll & Benefits
- Ability to work hard and get stuff done
- Must be a self-starter who takes initiative to identify key areas for improvement
- This is an in-office position in Torrance, CA
Desired Qualifications
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), CPP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or related certification
- Experience in professional services, consulting, engineering, architecture, construction, or other multi-state service organizations
- Experience supporting a national workforce of 1,000+ employees
- UKG experience
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