HR Benefits Group Leader

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.  Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact. The Human Resources Directorate has an opening for a Benefits Group Leader. This position provides leadership and supervision to the Benefits Administration Group, overseeing daily operations and guiding benefits specialists in the administration of health and welfare, defined benefit, and defined contribution retirement plans. The ideal candidate brings extensive benefits knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to operate independently while driving for results. This position reports to the Benefits and Compensation Division Leader. You will Lead the day-to-day administration of health and welfare, defined benefit, and defined contribution retirement plans, acting prudently to minimize risk and ensure compliance with plan documents, ERISA, and other applicable laws. Provide strong leadership and direction to professional and administrative staff, including coaching, feedback, performance evaluation, and support for development and accountability. Oversee the administration of time off and absence programs, including vacation, sick leave, and leaves of absence. Oversee the development, implementation, and delivery of audit responses, plan notices, Summary Plan Descriptions, Annual Funding Notices, Form 5500s, non-discrimination testing, Summary Annual Reports, Health and Welfare notices, Open Enrollment guides, and other required communications, reports, and filings. Work with plan actuaries to monitor plans and provide required reports. Oversee vendor contracts, invoices, performance, and performance guarantees to ensure high-quality, accurate delivery of third-party services. Confer with health and welfare consultants to develop competitive, cost-effective benefits strategies from both employer and employee perspectives. Formulate organizational objectives and strategies and provide oversight for the design, development, implementation, administration, communication, promotion, evaluation, and daily operations of health and welfare and retirement plans to ensure alignment and operational excellence. Analyze new legislation and audit results, recommend and execute appropriate actions, and ensure compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations, DOE orders, company policies, summary plan descriptions, and plan documents. Define, construct, analyze, and deliver performance measures and metrics to evaluate the ongoing effectiveness of benefits programs. Recommend new benefits strategies and programs to senior management and provide strategic solutions that may influence future organizational decisions. Perform other duties as assigned. Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE L-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience. Extensive and progressively responsible experience in compliance and qualified plan and leave administration. Demonstrated experience and proven success leading teams, managing staff, and maintaining accountability in a complex environment where errors can have significant operational, financial, or regulatory impact. Strong working knowledge of employee benefits theory, practices, plans, programs, compliance issues, and regulatory and reporting requirements, including in-depth knowledge of ERISA and related laws and regulations. Excellent quantitative and analytical skills, with experience analyzing employee benefits programs and managing their design, development, and communication with a high degree of accuracy. Experience managing company-wide projects and programs and developing strategic solutions. Experience with discrimination testing, required filings, and other required reporting with close attention to detail and timeliness. Extensive experience managing vendor relationships to maintain quality and performance standards. Highly advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain, present, counsel, guide, and influence internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership. Proficiency in Human Resource Information Systems and Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and drive initiatives to completion with minimal direction. Qualifications We Desire CEBS, PHR, SPHR, or other relevant certification. Experience with PeopleSoft/Oracle Human Resources modules. Pay Range $165,480 - $202.632 annually This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. #LI-Hybrid Position Information This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates. Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor! Flexible  Benefits Package 401(k) Relocation Assistance Education Reimbursement Program Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs) Our values - visit  https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values Security Clearance This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) L-level c