Leave of Absence Manager

Express Employment International Headquarters•Oklahoma City, OK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Leave of Absence Manager owns and administers all leave of absence programs nationwide for field associates and HQ employees. This role oversees and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local leave laws and regulations—including FMLA, ADA, state paid leave programs, and company leave policies—while serving as the subject matter expert for leave administration. The role provides guidance to HR, managers, and employees, manages complex and high-risk cases, mitigates organizational risk, and delivers a consistent, compassionate employee experience from leave intake through return to work. This position sits within our Oklahoma City based corporate office, currently with an expectation to be onsite 80% of the time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
5+ years' experience managing complex, multi-state leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, state paid leave, and program rollouts or implementations
Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, state paid leave laws, and related regulations
Strong track record of partnering with leadership, influencing cross-functional stakeholders, and driving organizational change
Proven ability to assess complex situations, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions
Skilled in prioritizing tasks, managing multiple projects, and ensuring operational efficiency
Strong interpersonal skills with experience in delivering clear, engaging training and fostering collaboration
Trusted to handle sensitive information with the highest level of integrity and professionalism

Nice To Haves

Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) or similar

Responsibilities

Own and administer all leave of absence programs nationwide for field associates and HQ employees, including FMLA, ADA, state paid leave, and company-sponsored leaves
Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local leave laws (FMLA, ADA, state paid leave programs, etc.) to ensure organizational compliance
Lead paid leave program implementations and rollouts, serving as the project manager for new or expanded leave offerings across states and employee populations
Develop, implement, and maintain leave policies and procedures aligned with legal requirements and company standards
Prepare reports and documentation for internal review, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders as required
Partner with Legal and HR leadership to assess compliance risks and recommend corrective actions
Lead the administration of leave programs, ensuring accurate and timely processing of requests
Serve as the escalation point for complex leave cases, including ADA accommodations and overlapping leave entitlements
Coordinate with payroll and benefits teams to ensure proper handling of paid and unpaid leave
Provide guidance and resources to HR staff, managers, and employees on leave policies and compliance requirements
Communicate updates on legislative changes and their impact on company policies
Conduct regular audits of leave processes and documentation to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement
Prepare reports and metrics on leave utilization, compliance trends, and risk mitigation efforts