Manager, HR Benefits and Leave

Southern Illinois Healthcare•Crowley, LA

About The Position

The Benefits and Leave Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational management of employee benefits and leave of absence programs. This role ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations while delivering a positive employee experience. The manager serves as a subject matter expert, partnering with HR, legal, payroll, and external vendors to design, administer, and continuously improve benefits and leave programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.
5 years of progressive experience in benefits and leave administration.
In-depth knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ACA, ERISA and state leave laws.
Experience managing vendors and complex benefit programs.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems.
Experience leading or mentoring a team.
Background in compliance, audits or large/complex organizations.

Nice To Haves

HR Certification (CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, and/or PHR/SPHR) preferred – must complete within 1 year

Responsibilities

Benefits Administration Manage the design, implementation, and administration of employee benefit programs, including: Medical, dental, and vision plans Life and disability insurance Retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)) Voluntary programs
Lead annual open enrollment, including vendor coordination, communications, system configuration, and post-enrollment audits.
Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits vendors, brokers, and consultants.
Monitor benefit plan performance, utilization, and costs; recommend improvements aligned with organizational strategy.
Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other applicable regulations.
Leave of Absence Management Oversee all leave of absence programs, including: FMLA State and local leaves (e.g., paid family/medical leave)
Develop and maintain leave policies, procedures, and documentation.
Partner with leaders and employees to ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant leave administration.
Manage relationships with third-party leave administrators, as applicable.
Track leave data, trends, and compliance metrics.
Compliance & Risk Management Ensure benefit and leave programs comply with federal, state, and local laws.
Lead audits, reporting, and regulatory filings related to benefits and leave.
Stay current on legislative and regulatory changes; assess impact and implement necessary updates.
Collaborate with Legal and HR leadership on risk mitigation and complex employee cases.
Employee Experience & Communication Develop clear, effective employee communications related to benefits and leave programs.
Provide guidance and escalation support for complex employee situations.
Train HR staff, managers, and employees on benefits and leave policies.
Promote understanding, engagement, and accessibility of programs.
Leadership & Collaboration Lead, coach, and develop benefits and leave team members.
Partner closely with Payroll, HRIS, Finance, Legal, and other HR Teams.
Contribute to broader Total Rewards and HR strategy initiatives.
Support organizational changes impacting benefits and leave programs.