Leave & Benefits Program Lead

Job Description Overview:

We are seeking an experienced HR professional with deep expertise in benefits administration, benefits reconciliation, and leave of absence management. This role serves as the organization's subject matter expert and is responsible for the strategic and operational ownership of all benefits and leave programs, ensuring compliance, operational excellence, data integrity, and an exceptional employee experience.

The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of multi-state leave laws, benefits strategy and administration, vendor management, and HR compliance systems. This individual is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of independently managing complex reconciliations, leave cases, audits, and employee support in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration and Reconciliation:

Serve as owner of all company benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, 401(k), COBRA, and voluntary benefits.Manage full-cycle benefits administration including enrollments, life events, terminations, eligibility, payroll deductions, and carrier file integrations.Own monthly benefits reconciliation across carrier invoices, payroll deductions, HRIS data, and employee elections; resolve discrepancies and errors.Lead annual benefits renewals including plan design review, rate analysis, benchmarking, vendor negotiations, and final recommendations.Partner with brokers, carriers, payroll, finance, and HRIS to manage escalations, audits, compliance, and ongoing administration.Lead open enrollment planning and execution including system setup, communications, employee support, and post-enrollment reconciliation.Conduct benefits audits and ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA.Analyze benefits data to identify trends, cost savings, and operational improvements.Maintain accurate benefits records, documentation, and reporting.

Leave of Absence Management

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