Strategic , Compensation & Leave Specialist

Benefits, Compensation & Leave Specialist

Reports To:

Senior Director of Human Resources, Corporate Programs & Acquisitions.

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Employment Type:

Full Time

The Benefits, Compensation & Leave Specialist is responsible for administering and supporting the company’s employee benefits plans, compensation programs, and leave of absence processes. In a growing manufacturing environment, this role ensures programs are competitive, compliant, cost‑effective, and aligned with business strategy while delivering exceptional employee service. This position partners closely with HR, payroll, finance, and operational leaders to ensure accurate administration, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience across multiple sites.

• Administer health, welfare, retirement, and ancillary benefit plans.
• Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and vendor coordination.
• Support open enrollment planning, communication, and execution.
• Reconcile benefits invoices and partner with payroll to ensure accurate deductions.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
• Assist in developing clear and engaging benefits communications materials.

• Maintain base pay compensation structure (pay grades, ranges, and job placement).
• Administer various incentive plans.
• Conduct market pricing and benchmarking using salary surveys and industry data to ensure competitive and equitable pay practices, while also maintaining internal equity.
• Support annual compensation planning processes including merit, bonus, and promotional increases.
• Maintain job descriptions and job evaluation structures.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations (e.g., FLSA). Partner with HR leadership to analyze internal pay equity and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Prepare compensation reports, analytics, and dashboards for leadership review.

• Administer and track all leaves of absence including FMLA, ADA, state leaves, workers’ compensation coordination, and company‑provided leaves.
• Partner with Site HR to communicate leave rights and responsibilities to employees and managers.
• Coordinate with third‑party leave administrator to ensure timely, accurate leave administration.
• Ensure timely documentation, eligibility determination, and compliance with federal and state laws.
• Partner with Site HR on return‑to‑work planning and reasonable accommodation processes.

• Partner closely with HRIS Specialist to maintain accurate HRIS data related to compensation, benefits, and leave.
• Assist with audits, regulatory filings (e.g., 5500), and reporting requirements.
• Ensure policies and procedures remain current with changing legislation.
• Support internal and external audits.

• Deliver training and education sessions on benefits, and leave programs.
• Promote a positive employee experience through responsive, service‑oriented support.

• Other duties as assigned.

Provided on the job and supplemented with external seminars/classes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in benefits, compensation, and/or leave administration.
• Experience in a manufacturing or multi‑site environment strongly preferred.
• Experience with HRIS systems (Dayforce preferred).
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills.

• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, FLSA, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and related regulations.
• Understanding of wage structures in hourly and production‑based environments.
• Analytical skills with ability to interpret compensation and benefits data.
• High attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, growing organization.

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
• SHRM‑CP/SHRM‑SCP or PHR/SPHR

Analytical Thinking,…