Benefits & Leave of Absence Specialist

Kendo Brands, Inc.•San Francisco, CA

14d•$108,000 - $122,000

About The Position

The Benefits & Leave of Absence Specialist will be instrumental in ensuring our employees understand, access, and maximize their comprehensive benefits package. This pivotal role involves the end-to-end administration of all employee benefits, including health, life, and disability insurance, alongside expertly managing all leave of absence programs for our US and Canadian workforce. You will serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert, guiding employees through their benefit options and leave processes. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring strict compliance with all federal and state regulations, contributing significantly to a positive employee experience and the overall operational efficiency of our People & Culture department. We are looking for someone with strong customer service acumen, analytical problem-solving skills, and exceptional communication abilities to interact effectively at all levels of the organization.

Requirements

Minimum 5+ years progressive benefits and LOA experience
BA, BS preferred or equivalent experience
Proficiency with MS Office, experience with ADP a plus
Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills
Highly organized and adept at handling multiple priorities
Strong presentation and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences
Meticulous attention to detail
Ability to work in fast-paced, often-changing environment.
Self starter who excels both autonomously and as a collaborative member of cross functional teams.
Demonstrates flexibility and a team-player mindset

Responsibilities

Administer all employee benefits programs for both US and Canada, including health insurance, life insurance, short-term/long-term disability, transportation, employee perks, 401(k) and flexible spending accounts.
Collaborate closely with our parent company, LVMH, to administer our competitive benefit plans.
Oversee and manage the annual open enrollment process, ensuring seamless execution and comprehensive employee communication.
Resolve all employee benefit inquiries promptly, equitably, and courteously, acting as a trusted resource.
Responsible for processing funding of 401(k), Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
Serve as the main point of contact for all leave of absence related questions, requests, and administration.
Interpret and administer leave programs and policies in strict accordance with applicable federal and state employment laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act).
Review, track, and process all Leave of Absence requests (FMLA, non-FMLA, and ADA) according to company policy and legal requirements.
Track Leave status in LOA Administration platform.
Coordinate with payroll for payment of company paid leave benefits.
Communicate proactively with managers and internal departments regarding employee leave of absence statuses.
Ensure ongoing compliance with all state and federal regulations pertaining to benefits and leaves of absence.
Complete local/state/federal required reporting that pertains to Benefits.
Generate and submit required reports accurately and on time, including San Francisco HCSO reporting, LVMH and Fidelity retirement plan reporting, and other state/local/federal mandates.
Complete regular audits to ensure data accuracy.
Assist in the planning, communication, and implementation of employee wellness programs and activities.
Serve as a resource for employees seeking information on health and wellness benefits and programs.
Analyze wellness program engagement and provide recommendations for improvement
Coordinate closely with the Payroll Department to ensure accurate and timely employee benefit deductions and LOA paid benefits.
Partner with the Accounting Department to report accurate allocations of benefit costs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director, Total Rewards, to support departmental and organizational objectives.