Benefits and Leave Specialist

MGT•,

6h•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Benefits and Leave Specialist to join our People Operations team. This role serves as a subject matter expert in Benefits Administration, Leave Management, and foundational Compensation Operations, ensuring all Total Rewards programs are administered efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with regulations. Reporting to the People Operations Director, this position plays a critical role in supporting employees and enhancing the overall MGT experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Three (3) or more years of experience in benefits administration and leave management; experience supporting compensation processes preferred.
Strong understanding of health & welfare benefits, retirement programs, and Total Rewards fundamentals.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits and leave (e.g., ERISA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA).
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Flexible and adaptable to changing business needs and timelines.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality.
Strong analytical, auditing, and problem-solving abilities.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience with data reporting or analytics in HRIS or Excel preferred.
Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration systems preferred.
Experience partnering with third-party leave administrators preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer and manage all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and ancillary offerings.
Facilitate new hire benefits office hours, onboarding benefits support, and the enrollment process.
Maintain and continuously update benefits resources and the benefits knowledge base.
Lead annual open enrollment, including system configuration, plan setup, communications, employee education, and enrollment support.
Serve as the primary benefits subject matter expert for employees, providing guidance on coverage, plan options, life events, and claims-related inquiries.
Maintain accurate benefit data and ensure a high level of data integrity across systems.
Manage weekly vendor file interfaces, validate errors, and resolve discrepancies promptly.
Collaborate with benefit carriers, vendors, and consultants to resolve issues and optimize program performance.
Partner with internal communications to create and deliver employee-facing benefits materials and engagement campaigns.
Lead the implementation of new benefit programs and enhancements.
Prepare and analyze benefit reports, including cost trends, utilization, eligibility, and compliance metrics.
Conduct monthly benefit audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Ensure timely and compliant completion of regulatory reporting, including ACA and 1095 forms.
Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local benefit regulations.
Administer and manage employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, STD/LTD, personal leaves, and other company-sponsored leave programs.
Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, HR business partners, Payroll, Employee Relations, and third-party leave administrators.
Support employees throughout the full leave lifecycle, ensuring a seamless, compliant, and empathetic experience.
Track, monitor, and document all leaves and accommodations per legal requirements and company policy.
Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate processing of leave-related pay and benefits.
Conduct periodic audits of leave records for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Document and track all accommodation requests and participate in the interactive process.
Create and deliver training and communication materials related to leave and accommodation processes.
Provide employee support during critical life events, including wellness checks and resource guidance.
Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment while maintaining strong attention to detail.
Analyze Total Rewards operational workflows and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience.
Document processes, procedures, and best practices for benefits, leave, and compensation functions.
Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and data flows across Total Rewards programs.
Contribute to the development of short- and long-term Total Rewards strategies and operational plans.
Develop internal resources, SOPs, and training materials to support HR teams and employees.