Leave Administrator

Job Title:

Program Manager, Benefits and Leave Administration Job Description

The Program Manager, Benefits and Leave Administration is responsible for the day-to-day operational effectiveness of employee benefit and leave of absence programs. This role ensures that leave programs are administered accurately, consistently, and in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, while supporting a positive and equitable employee experience. Operating with significant independence and discretion, this position serves as an operational subject-matter expert for benefit administration and drives continuous improvement within established program frameworks, aligned with people-first values.

• Manage and administer the operational benefit and leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term and long-term disability, parental leave, adoption leave, military leave, unpaid leave, and applicable state and local family leave laws.
• Independently administer and resolve complex leave cases, including eligibility determinations, certifications, extensions, returns-to-work, and workers’ compensation considerations.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource for employees, managers, and HR partners on leave administration, providing clear guidance and interpreting policies and requirements appropriately.
• Oversee day-to-day operational interactions with third-party leave administrators, addressing service issues, resolving data discrepancies, and ensuring accurate information flow.
• Partner cross-functionally with Payroll, Benefits, HRIS, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), and Operations teams to ensure accurate integration and resolution of leave-related impacts.
• Maintain, review, and update documentation and records to ensure audit readiness and strong compliance integrity for all leave programs.
• Analyze leave trends, case patterns, and recurring issues to identify operational risks, gaps, or opportunities for improvement.
• Recommend process improvements and procedural refinements to the Senior Manager, Benefits & Leave Administration to enhance program efficiency and employee experience.
• Support the development, updating, and maintenance of leave-related communications, tools, templates, and job aids for employees and HR partners.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes related to benefits and leave, assess operational implications, and elevate recommendations as appropriate.
• Act as an internal expert on benefits administration, supporting continuous improvement initiatives and promoting consistent application of policies across the organization.
• Collaborate with employee relations and insurance partners as needed to ensure accurate claim handling and benefit verification.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in benefits, leave administration, human resources, or a combination of these fields.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and multi-state leave laws, including FMLA and applicable state and local family leave regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in benefits administration and leave management, including complex case handling and compliance-focused decision-making.
• Proficiency in partnering with Payroll, Benefits, HRIS, EHS, and Operations to manage leave-related impacts on pay, benefits, and employment status.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements in a clear and consistent manner.
• Strong employee relations skills with the ability to support employees and managers through sensitive leave and benefits situations.
• Experience working with insurance and claim processes related to disability and other leave programs.
• Solid Microsoft Office skills, including the…