Benefits & Leave Specialist (m/f/d)

About the role

The Benefits & Leave Specialist supports Nordex’s mission to develop and deliver clean power plants, making 100% renewable energy a reality. This role administers, ensures compliance for, and continuously improves employee benefit programs and leave-of-absence processes across North America. It serves as the primary contact for employees, managers, vendors, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators regarding benefits, disability, leaves, workers’ compensation, and return-to-work programs. The position requires strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, excellent customer service, and the ability to manage highly confidential information.

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; ensure 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, Health-Safety-Environment (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.

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.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Commitment to maintaining and promoting safety standards at all times.
• Fluency in English to effectively communicate safety and job-related information, follow safety instructions, and collaborate with English-speaking supervisors and team members.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Canadian benefits and leave administration experience is considered an asset.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off – three (3) weeks accrued (120 hours).
• Medical & Pharmacy Insurance with multiple options.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution.
• Flex Spending Account (FSA).
• Dental Insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• Short-Term / Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Life and AD&D Insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Student Debt Repayment.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Parental Leave.
• Calm Subscription.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement.
• Accident Insurance.
• Legal Plans.
• Spot Pet Insurance.
• Auto and Home Insurance.

Safety Expectations

• 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.