Benefits & Leave Specialist

Actus Nutrition•Eden Prairie, MN

18h•$65,000

About The Position

At Actus Nutrition , our focus is to create high quality ingredients designed to optimize health and nutrition. We are passionate and dedicated people. Each day, we collectively explore new, innovative ways to enhance product performance and value through our broad human and animal nutrition portfolios. The human nutrition division focuses on industry leading whey and milk protein isolates, concentrates, and hydrolysates. The animal nutrition division is a leading supplier of functional fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Both divisions are backed by the speed, execution and passion it takes to exceed the expectation of our customers. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as a healthy 401(k) company match program. The Benefits and Leave Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefit programs and managing leave of absence processes across all U.S. locations. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, serves as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits and leave, and maintains accurate records in HR systems. Key responsibilities include benefits administration, open enrollment coordination, leave and ADA accommodation management, and development of training materials for the Learning Management System.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business Administration or equivalent degree.
3–4 years of experience in Human Resources, with a focus on benefits and leave administration.
Experience managing group health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans, including COBRA and open enrollment.
Familiarity with multistate benefit and leave laws.
Proficiency with HRIS systems (UKG experience preferred).
Exceptional customer service skills and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to apply regulatory requirements pragmatically while supporting operational goals and company interests.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to interpret and process paperwork accurately and explain benefit programs clearly.

Nice To Haves

Manufacturing industry experience preferred.
HR certification (SHRM, CEBS, or similar) preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401(k), workers’ compensation, and wellness programs from onboarding through termination, including COBRA administration.
Maintain accurate employee data in HRIS and benefits systems to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Coordinate annual open enrollment, including communication materials and system updates.
Process benefit elections, qualifying life event changes, and ensure timely updates to carriers and payroll.
Act as the primary liaison between employees and insurance providers to resolve eligibility issues, claims, and escalations.
Prepare regular reports on enrollment, costs, and compliance; assist with internal and external audits.
Respond to benefit-related inquiries, provide guidance on plan options, and deliver exceptional customer service.
Administer and coordinate all leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, state-specific leaves, personal leaves, parental leave, military leave, and company-sponsored leave programs.
Partner with leave management vender to oversee all aspects of leave and disability claims.
Track leave usage and collaborate with HR Managers and Payroll to ensure accurate pay and benefits.
Coordinate return-to-work process, including fitness-for-duty documentation and communication with managers.
Serve as the primary contact for ADA compliance and accommodation requests.
Evaluate, research, and administer workplace accommodation requests; facilitate the interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations.
Develop and deliver training programs on federal and state disability and leave laws.
Act as the subject matter expert for leave programs under the guidance of HR leadership.
Interpret and administer leave policies in compliance with applicable laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.).
Perform special projects and other responsibilities as needed.