Senior Programs Manager - U.S. Benefits

Role: Senior Programs Manager, U.S. Benefits – Global Rewards V

Location: Santa Clara, CA (On-site)

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to work beyond the cutting-edge, continuously pushing the boundaries of science and engineering to make possible the next generations of technology, join us to Make Possible a Better Future.

About the Role

The Sr. Programs Manager of U.S. Benefits is an individual contributor role responsible for the overall U.S. benefit programs' administration. The ideal candidate has a broad benefits background in most areas of benefits including but not limited to Health (medical, dental, vision), Welfare (life & disability), Wellness, Retirement (401(k) and Deferred Compensation), Tax-savings (FSA & HSA), Leaves of Absence and Time-off programs.   They will also have demonstrated success in vendor management.  Reporting to the Director, U.S. Benefits, this role will also contribute and provide support to the strategy development of and effective execution of the overall benefits programs.  This is a lead role and is a resource and a thought partner with the overall team and shares subject matter expertise with Benefits, HR, and Global Rewards professionals. 

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing and administering benefit plans and programs in accordance with policies and procedures, as well as compliance activities (NDT, audits, 5500 filings, etc.)

• Plan, develop, implement, and monitor wellness-related activities

• Reviews analytics and makes recommendations that create a strategic advantage and support Applied's business and talent strategies

• Review, monitor and track vendor contracts to execution

• Project planning and management of RFPs as necessary

• Strategize on creation and maintenance of benefits data dashboards

• Recognizes and addresses company-wide implications; Ability to be a thought partner to the Benefits Leadership team and articulate a point of view with supporting information; Ability to see broad strategic HR issues and apply rewards programming/recommend alternative solutions

• Ensures ongoing compliance, appropriately partnering with in-house and ERISA counsel

• Develops strong working relationships with key business partners in Payroll, Legal and HR

• Ensures benefits offerings are cost-effective, competitive, and aligned with business and talent strategies, working with internal and external partners/consultants

• Mentors and acts as resource for other team members; first level of escalation

• Supports/integrates acquired company plans as appropriate

• Support Open Enrollment and new hire benefits orientation/materials

• Collaborate with U.S. Benefits Director and communications consultants to produce benefits communications.  Manage the U.S. Benefits Website, ensuring all information is complete and accurate

Knowledge

• Thorough and detailed knowledge of U.S. benefits policies, practices, procedures, laws & regulations (ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, DOL & IRS) and system tools

• Experience with ERISA self-insured health and welfare plans and vendor management are also highly desired

Qualifications

• B.S. level degree in related field or equivalent experience

• 10+ years of experience in Benefits

• CEBS desired, but not required

• Strong communication, organizational, collaboration, documentation, and presentation skills

• Business acumen and financial analysis skills

• Innovation, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills

• Capacity to deal with ambiguity

• Continuous improvement mindset, applying best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services

• Ability to work independently and autonomously

• Strong project management skills

• Strong vendor management and budget management experience

• Team-oriented mentality; demonstrated multi-cultural skills

• Position requires an understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these s