Senior Manager, Benefits- Leave, Accommodations & Time Off Programs

Grainger Businesses • Lake Forest, IL

12d • $134,100 - $223,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

This is a hybrid position that is based onsite in Lake Forest or Chicago 2-3 days a week.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of experience in employee benefits, including benefit plan design, administration, vendor management, and health and welfare and/or retirement programs required.
• People leadership experience managing employees, projects, or teams within benefits, total rewards, or a related function required.
• Knowledge of employee benefit programs and applicable regulatory requirements, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and relevant IRS requirements.
• Experience evaluating benefit plan design, program performance, market practices, vendor services, and related data to develop recommendations and support benefit decisions.
• Experience managing benefit vendors, complex projects, annual planning activities, and escalated benefit matters involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience communicating benefit strategies, program recommendations, risks, and complex information to leaders, employees, vendors, and cross-functional partners.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the design, administration, and continuous improvement of workplace accommodations, short-term disability, long-term disability, and all leave programs. Responsible for all paid time off polices and programs to support business and workforce objectives in compliance with government requirements.
• Leverage benchmarking, analytics & insights, employee feedback, vendor reporting to evaluate program effectiveness, compliance, employee experience, trends, cost, and risk mitigation and recommend program and policy changes as needed.
• Partner with internal stakeholders, including HR Business Partners, Legal, Compliance, Payroll, HR Operations/ HRIS, Benefits, Finance & Risk, and external resources to fullfill role responsibilities.
• Manage external consultant and brokerage firm relationships. Manage and hold all vendors accountable by establishing expectations, monitoring service delivery (SLAs) and program performance; includes quarterly business reviews (QBRs). Lead contract renewals, resolving escalations, and driving continuous improvement.
• Lead benefits team members and oversee program operations, set priorities, and resolve escalations to support fair, consistent administration and timely resolution.
• Ensure leave, disability, workplace accommodation, and paid time off programs comply with applicable requirements while monitoring legislative developments and advising leadership on potential program impacts.
• Oversee program workflows, controls, systems, reporting, and data integrity to improve operational effectiveness and the employee and manager experience.
• Proactively manage stakeholder experience (HR, business and team members), and develop and maintain program policies, procedures, communications, training, and change plans to support consistent administration and implementation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment
• 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date)
• 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan refinancing
• Free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs
• Nursing benefits
• up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents
• up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior