Senior Manager, US Benefits

Ichor Systems has an immediate opening for a Senior Manager, U.S. Benefits. This position designs, governs, and operates Ichor Systems' health, welfare, retirement, and well-being programs across the United States. Reporting to the VP, Global Total Rewards, this role balances forward-looking program strategy (approximately 40% of time) with hands-on administration, vendor management, compliance, and employee support (approximately 60% of time).

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable building a multi-year benefits strategy and diving into a renewal, a plan audit, or an escalated employee claim. They bring deep US benefits expertise and the ability to deliver consistent, cost-effective programs in a growing organization.
Tho position may be located in either our Fremont, CA or Austin, TX locations and is typically onsite 4 days a week with some remote work available as approved by the direct manager. 

Strategic Responsibilities (approximately 40%)

• U.S. benefits strategy (15%): Develop and maintain a benefits philosophy and multi-year roadmap aligned to business goals, talent strategy, and the total rewards framework, keeping programs competitive and cost-effective.

• Benchmarking and market competitiveness (10%): Evaluate programs against market data and talent competitors in the US. Recommend design changes to improve attraction, retention, and employee value perception.

• Cost management and financial planning (10%): Partner with Finance to forecast, budget, and manage benefits cost across the US. Lead funding strategy, cost-containment initiatives, and business cases for new or changed programs.

• Governance, risk, and M&A readiness (5%): Advise on benefits implications of acquisitions, expansion, and organizational change. Maintain a compliance and risk framework, and brief senior leaders on regulatory developments and program risk.

Tactical Responsibilities (approximately 60%)

• Program administration and operations (20%): Own day-to-day operation of benefits programs in the US, including eligibility, enrollment, life events, and payroll and HRIS integration. Ensure accurate, timely administration and resolve complex or escalated issues.

• Vendor, broker, and carrier management (15%): Manage relationships, contracts, service levels, and performance with insurers, brokers, retirement plan providers, and administrators. Lead RFPs, renewals, and negotiations.

• Annual cycle execution (10%): Lead open enrollment and annual renewal planning, including plan design finalization, rate setting, communications, system configuration, testing, and post-enrollment audits.

• Compliance and reporting (10%): Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA in the US. Oversee filings, nondiscrimination testing, audits, and Form 5500, partnering with Legal and external counsel.

• Employee communication and support (5%): Develop clear, tailored communications and education materials. Serve as escalation point for the HR service team and employees on benefits questions.

This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports. The Senior Manager leads work through influence, coordinating matrixed support from regional HR, Payroll, Finance, and Legal partners and directing the activities of external brokers, carriers, and administrators.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• 8 or more years of progressive experience in benefits, including hands-on management of benefits programs.

• Ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence without formal authority.

• Strong working knowledge of US benefits regulations and plan design, including self-funded and fully insured medical, 401(k), and welfare plans.

• Demonstrated experience managing brokers, carriers, and vendors, including RFPs, renewals, and contract negotiation.

• Experience with benefits budgeting, financial analysis, and cost modeling.

• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration platforms, and advanced Excel or data analysis skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and explain complex topics simply.

Preferred

• Master's degree or professional certification such as CEBS, CCP, or SPHR.

• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or expansion into new locations.

• Experience in a technology or high-growth environment.

• Strategic thinking balanced with strong execution and attention to detail.

• Collaboration and influence across HR, Finance, Legal, and external partners.

• Analytical and financial acumen, with sound judgment in ambiguous situations.

• Vendor and stakeholder management, and a service-oriented mindset.

• Integrity and discretion in handling confidential employee and financial information.