Program Manager

Program Manager - Benefits

Manages U.S. absence and health management programs and serves as the strategic and operational owner of absence policy standards, operating models, system alignment, and vendor oversight. The role ensures compliance, consistency, scalability, and a positive associate experience.

The Program Manager is the primary owner of U.S. leave and disability administration, overseeing third‑party administrators and leading U.S. health management initiatives such as condition management, preventive health, and well‑being programs. Working closely with Total Rewards, HR Solutions, HR Shared Services, Legal, Finance, HR Technology, and external vendors, the role supports effective policy execution, risk management, data integrity, and alignment with Avantor’s Global Benefits Administration Governance Framework.

• Act as TPA relationship owner, overseeing U.S. leave and disability operations, escalations, performance, and renewals.
• Identify and elevate alignment issues between policy intent, system configuration, payroll treatment, and employee communications.
• Manage U.S. health management and condition programs, aligned with medical and wellness strategy.
• Support communication strategy and execution for absence, leave, and health management programs, including guidance for associates, managers, and HR partners.
• Maintain process documentation, training materials, and knowledge content to support consistent administration and issue resolution.
• Partner with HR Shared Services, HR Technology, Payroll, and external vendors to resolve administration issues, support integrations, and improve operational effectiveness.
• Analyze key absence and health metrics and provide recommendations to support decision‑making.
• Serve as a subject‑matter resource for HR teams and elevate complex issues to leadership.
• Develop guidance, training, and knowledge content to support consistent execution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in absence management, leave administration, disability, or health & welfare benefits.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. leave programs (FMLA, ADA, STD/LTD, state leaves) and vendor‑administered leave models.
• Experience managing enterprise vendors and complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience with Workday Leave and Time Off modules and HR case management tools (e.g., Service Now) highly preferred.
• Global or multi‑country benefits experience, including statutory compliance and harmonization efforts.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret absence and health data trends.
• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and executional levels in a transformation environment.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and capable of managing competing priorities.

$78,000.00 - $

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.