Benefits & Leave Specialist (m/f/d)

Nordex Group•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The role of Benefits & Leave Specialist directly supports the company’s mission to develop and deliver clean power plants that make 100% renewable energy a reality for the world. The Benefits & Leave Specialist is responsible for the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs and leave of absence processes across North America. This role serves as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, vendors, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators regarding employee benefits, disability, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, and return-to-work programs. This position ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, provincial, and local employment legislation while delivering a positive employee experience and supporting the organization’s health, safety, and wellness objectives. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, excellent customer service, and the ability to manage highly confidential information.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, leave management, disability programs, workers’ compensation, accommodations, and return-to-work practices.
Working knowledge of employment and benefits regulations, including FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, ACA, and state leave requirements; Canadian experience is an asset.
Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills.
Strong customer service, communication, relationship-building, and collaboration abilities.
High level of attention to detail, accuracy, accountability, confidentiality, and compliance focus.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems; Workday experience preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to process improvement and delivering a positive employee experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
5+ years of progressive HR experience focused on benefits administration and leave management.
Experience administering health and welfare benefit plans, disability programs, and workers’ compensation claims.
Experience working with HRIS systems, payroll interfaces, and multi-state operations.
Valid driver’s license required.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to safety protocols and procedures.
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and company policies.
Proactively identify and mitigate potential safety hazards.
Properly use applicable safety equipment, including but not limited to eye protection, hearing protectors, steel-toe boots, and hard hats. Loose-fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted.
Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure a safe working environment.
Speak and understand English fluently to effectively communicate safety and job-related information, follow safety instructions, and collaborate with English-speaking supervisors and team members.

Nice To Haves

Canadian experience is an asset.
Workday experience preferred.
Canadian benefits and leave administration experience is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Administer employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, disability, wellness, and voluntary benefits.
Manage benefit enrollments, life event changes, open enrollment, terminations, and employee eligibility records.
Serve as the primary contact for benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators while ensuring data accuracy, billing reconciliation, and process improvements.
Administer employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, disability, parental, military, and other statutory leave programs.
Coordinate leave documentation, accommodations, return-to-work plans, and employee reintegration efforts.
Manage workers’ compensation claims from injury through resolution, including claim reporting, medical coordination, and transitional duty programs.
Partner with managers, HSE, insurance providers, and employees to support occupational health and injury management initiatives.
Ensure compliance with applicable employment, benefits, leave, and workers’ compensation regulations.
Educate employees and leaders on benefits, leave policies, and available resources.
Maintain accurate records, prepare reports and metrics, support audits, and drive continuous improvement in benefits and leave administration processes.