Leave Specialist

Job Summary

The Leave Specialist manages all leave of absence and job accommodation processes for a workforce of about 3,300 employees across multiple shifts.

Responsibilities

• Primary point of contact for employees on leave-related matters
• Partner with UNUM to process and update leave cases; participate in bi-weekly vendor calls
• Create and maintain leave cases in the UKG Leave module
• Communicate procedures, timelines, and pay/benefit impacts clearly to employees and leaders
• Manage all phases of FMLA (continuous and intermittent)
• Coordinate STD/LTD claims with carriers and align outcomes with leave status and payroll
• Manage HSA/FSA payment processes during unpaid leave or upon return
• Administer state leave programs, military/USERRA, bereavement, jury duty, personal leaves, and company-specific leave programs
• Ensure accurate UKG time and attendance coding (LOA, intermittent hours) and reconcile with payroll for paid/unpaid status, arrears, offsets, and PTO
• Collaborate with Benefits, Payroll, Safety, Workers’ Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and HR Site Leaders to ensure aligned processes
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws; recommend updates as needed
• Work with Legal/HR Compliance on escalated or complex cases
• Support audits by maintaining accurate, complete case documentation
• Identify trends (e.g., high intermittent leave in specific areas) and propose improvements

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field and 2–3 years of leave/accommodation experience OR 3+ years of relevant experience (manufacturing or large hourly workforce preferred)
• Required Knowledge & Skills: Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state leave laws, and STD/LTD programs; experience with intermittent leave, return-to-work processes, and accommodations in multi-shift settings; experience acting as the primary point of contact for employees on leave-related matters; proficiency with UKG timekeeping systems and case management tools; strong Excel skills; excellent attention to detail, organization, confidentiality, and ability to manage high volumes; strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to resolve issues, use sound judgment, and escalate appropriately; ability to manage high case volumes; minimal travel (10-15%)
• Preferred Experience: in manufacturing, distribution, or other high-volume hourly environments; experience with union environments and leave-related provisions

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, and other company-sponsored programs

Job Locations

This role is remote within the following states: AZ, FL, GA, IL, KS, NC, NE, SD, TN, TX, WI, and WY. Candidates may reside in or relocate to any of these states. Relocation assistance will be provided.