Benefits Manager
| Company | Zūm |
|---|---|
| Location | San Carlos, CA, USA |
| Salary | $130000 – $165000 |
| Type | Full-Time |
| Degrees | |
| Experience Level | Senior, Expert or higher |
Description
Zūm is a rapidly expanding Series E startup backed by industry leaders Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, Spark Capital, and GIC, with a bold mission to transform the stagnant school transportation industry. Operating in over 15 states across the United States—with flagship hubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle—we are actively extending our reach to the East Coast and Midwest regions. As a technology-driven company, we deploy cutting-edge solutions to manage and operate school district transportation systems while also launching our own charter platform and developing proprietary SaaS offerings. Additionally, we are spearheading a nationwide initiative to electrify school transportation fleets, simultaneously supporting local utilities by feeding much-needed energy back into the grid. We have been recognized as CNBC 50 disruptor, Financial Times 500 fastest growing companies, Fast Company World Changing Ideas.
Who You Are:
As Zūm’s Benefits Manager, you’re excited not just about employee benefits, but you pride yourself on designing and managing benefits programs that ensure compliance and mitigate risk but also enhance the employee experience. Reporting to our Head of People Operations, you’re a strategic thinker and a hands-on executor. You are comfortable rolling up your sleeves while also understanding that whatever you put in place today must scale with our company’s long-term vision.
What You’ll Do:
Own & Elevate Benefits Strategy
• Be the go-to expert on all things benefits—designing and managing coherent programs that are competitive, compliant, and aligned with business goals.
• Oversee multiple benefits structures (MERP, PEO, union benefits, 401(k)) and ensure seamless administration across large populations of both hourly and salaried employees.
• Oversee and coordinate all Leave of Absence policies and processes, including managing outsourced support services as needed.
• Continuously evaluate and improve benefits offerings to enhance employee satisfaction and retention while keeping costs under control.
Ensure Compliance & Mitigate Risk
• Stay ahead of federal, state, and local regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.), ensuring full compliance at all times.
• Ensure 401(k) plan compliance and strategy stays on track with regulatory requirements and optimized participation.
• Manage annual audits, non-discrimination testing, and regulatory filings (5500s, ACA reporting, etc.).
• Partner with Legal, Payroll, and Finance to ensure benefits compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
Educate & Empower Employees
• Help make benefits easy to understand by working with brokers to develop clear, engaging materials and lead informational sessions to help employees maximize their benefits.
• Own open enrollments – manage vendor coordination, employee education, and system updates.
• Be prepared to engage with employees on escalated, complex benefits questions or issues, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Occasionally travel (up to 20%) to company facilities across the country.
Optimize Benefits Costs & Performance
• Analyze benefits utilization and cost trends, identifying opportunities to optimize program effectiveness.
• Benchmark Zum’s benefits against industry standards, recommending improvements that enhance competitiveness while managing expenses.
• Work with Finance and external vendors to manage forecasting and budgeting for benefits programs.
Build Strong Partnerships
• Manage relationships with benefits vendors, brokers, and consultants, ensuring seamless administration and top-tier service.
• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Finance, and Legal to streamline processes and ensure smooth operations.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex benefits cases, ensuring resolution and employee satisfaction.
What You Bring:
Must-Have Skills & Experience
• 8+ years of experience in benefits management or related HR roles.
• Very comfortable building programs in a venture backed, fast-paced, high-growth, ambiguous, evolving work environment. Deep understanding of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other benefits regulations.
• Experience managing mandatory and voluntary benefits, employer compliance and obligations for a large, multi-state workforce, ideally including union and non-union employees.
• Strong analytical skills—you can interpret data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations.
• Exceptional communication skills—you know how to explain benefits in a way that makes sense to employees at all levels.
• Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration systems (experience with PEOs is a plus!).
Bonus Points If You Have
• Developed coherent, cost effective benefits strategies that encompass multiple plans, geographies, employee groups, and unions.
• A track record of improving benefits programs while managing costs.
• Experience leading open enrollment and developing employee education strategies.
• Strong project management skills—you can juggle multiple initiatives and drive them to completion.
Additional Details About Working At Zūm:
• Competitive salary and equity.
• Comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible PTO.
• Wellness programs & employee assistance programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A fast-paced, mission-driven culture where your work has real impact.
• This is a hybrid role, requiring working from the Redwood City office 3 days per week
The targeted base salary range for this role is listed in the compensation section below. Actual salary may be above or below this range based on factors such as location, skills, and relevant experience. In addition, this position may include additional compensation in the form of equity or commissions. If you are a full-time salaried or hourly worker, we offer the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Holidays, Wellness, Vacation, and more. The targeted pay range for this role in US CA is: $130,000 – $165,000
Benefits
Not Specified