Benefits Manager

Astera Labs (NASDAQ: ALAB) provides rack-scale AI infrastructure through purpose-built connectivity solutions. By collaborating with hyperscalers and ecosystem partners, Astera Labs enables organizations to unlock the full potential of modern AI. Astera Labs’ Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates CXL®, Ethernet, NVLink, PCIe®, and UALink™ semiconductor-based technologies with the company’s COSMOS software suite to unify diverse components into cohesive, flexible systems that deliver end-to-end scale-up, and scale-out connectivity. The company’s custom connectivity solutions business complements its standards-based portfolio, enabling customers to deploy tailored architectures to meet their unique infrastructure requirements. Discover more at www.asteralabs.com.Astera Labs is seeking a strategic and knowledgeable Benefits Manager to join our Human Resources team in San Jose, California. As we continue our hyper-growth trajectory as a leader in AI infrastructure connectivity, this role will be instrumental in designing, managing, and optimizing our global benefits programs that attract and retain world-class talent.This is a high-impact position that goes beyond day-to-day benefits administration. You'll serve as a strategic partner to HR leadership, analyzing market trends, ensuring compliance across multiple geographies, and driving initiatives that enhance the employee experience. The ideal candidate brings a global mindset, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about building benefits programs that support our rapidly scaling workforce across the US, Canada, Asia, and EMEA.Key ResponsibilitiesBenefits Strategy & Program ManagementDevelop and execute a comprehensive global benefits strategy aligned with Astera Labs' growth objectives and talent acquisition goalsEvaluate and benchmark benefits offerings against industry standards and competitors to ensure market competitivenessLead annual benefits renewal processes, including vendor negotiations and plan design recommendationsDrive innovation in benefits offerings to support employee wellbeing and position Astera Labs as an employer of choiceGlobal Benefits CoordinationOversee end-to-end coordination of benefits programs across all operating regions, including the Canada, Asia, and EMEA, ensuring consistency, equity, and local complianceServe as the primary point of contact for international benefits brokers, third-party administrators, and in-country HR partnersHarmonize benefit plan designs across geographies while accommodating regional statutory requirements and cultural expectationsMaintain a centralized benefits governance framework to ensure transparency, auditability, and scalability across all regionsRetirement Plans (401k) AdministrationManage the full lifecycle of the company's 401(k) plan, including plan design, vendor management, compliance testing, and annual reporting (Form 5500)Partner with the 401(k) plan administrator and investment advisors to ensure the plan remains competitive, compliant, and aligned with employee financial wellness goalsOversee employer match programs, vesting schedules, and plan amendments in coordination with Finance and LegalEnsure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, and Department of Labor requirements; manage plan audits and non-discrimination testingDevelop and deliver financial literacy and retirement readiness education to help employees maximize their retirement benefitsEvaluate and expand retirement offerings for international employees, including country-specific pension and provident fund programsPaid Time Off (PTO) Program ManagementDesign, administer, and continuously improve the company's PTO programs, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and other leave of absence policiesEnsure PTO policies comply with federal, state, and local regulations across all jurisdictions where Astera Labs operates (including California-specific requirements)Partner with Payroll and HRIS teams to ensure accurate PTO accrual, tracking, and reportingBenchmark PTO offerings against industry peers to maintain competitiveness and support talent attraction and retentionDevelop clear, accessible PTO communications and manager guides to promote consistent policy application across the organizationMonitor PTO utilization trends and provide data-driven recommendations to HR leadership to support employee wellbeing and workforce planningGlobal Benefits Administration & ComplianceManage day-to-day administration of health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs across multiple countriesEnsure compliance with federal, state, and international regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and country-specific requirements)Partner with external brokers, vendors, and legal counsel to navigate complex regulatory landscapesDevelop and maintain benefits policies and procedures to support global scalabilityAnalytics & CommunicationAnalyze benefits utilization data, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategic decisions and optimize program ROIDevelop and deliver clear, engaging benefits communications and educational resources for employeesLead open enrollment planning and execution, ensuring a seamless employee experiencePresent benefits insights and recommendations to senior leadershipCross-Functional PartnershipCollaborate with Finance, Legal, and Payroll teams to ensure accurate benefits accounting and reportingPartner with Talent Acquisition to position benefits as a competitive advantage in recruiting top talentSupport M&A activities and international expansion by assessing and integrating benefits programsBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration and strategyStrong knowledge of US benefits regulations and compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)Demonstrated experience managing 401(k) plans, including compliance testing, vendor oversight, and employee educationHands-on experience administering PTO programs across multiple states, with working knowledge of California leave lawsExperience managing relationships with benefits brokers, carriers, and vendorsProficiency with HRIS and benefits administration platformsExcellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insightsPreferred QualificationsExperience coordinating global benefits across multiple countries, including international retirement and leave programsExperience in high-growth technology or semiconductor companiesStrong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneouslyExceptional communication and presentation skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levelsCompensationSalary range is $140,000 to $195,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives, and benefits.We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.