Manager, Benefits

Job Purpose

The Leave of Absence Manager is responsible for the effective management and administration of the organization’s leave of absence programs, including but not limited to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD) and military leave regulations (USERRA).

This position requires a thorough understanding of leave and company policies, labor laws, and regulations to ensure compliance and provide guidance to employees and management. The manager will also develop and implement policies, provide training, and manage the leave process from start to finish in partnership with Panera Benefits and the disability administration vendor.

Location: St. Louis, MO (hybrid)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Administer all aspects of leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal employment laws (FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, USERRA, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)) and state leave laws.
• Coordinate and administer leave of absence cases and claims, including determining eligibility, communicating with employees and managers, and ensuring accurate tracking and documentation.
• Work closely with Panera Human Resources, Benefits, Compliance and Payroll team to ensure that leaves of absence and accommodations are managed effectively.
• Develop and provide training and educational tools for employees and management on leave policies and procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations and laws related to leaves of absence, ensuring company policies and practices are compliant.
• Manage relationships to support leave process with third-party administrators and vendors associated with leave and disability programs.
• Analyze leave data and trends to provide reports to management, recommending policy changes or interventions as necessary.
• Handle complex leave cases and provide expert advice and guidance on difficult or sensitive situations.
• Monitor and coordinate with internal Worker’s Comp Team regarding leaves of absence due to a work-related injury/illness.
• Ensure confidentiality and security of employee data.
• Backup of other team members during absence periods or other busy times.
• Perform other related duties and special projects assigned.

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or technical school preferred.

• Minimum of five years of experience in Human Resources, with at least three years focused on leave of absence administration.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position.

• Advanced knowledge of federal and state laws & regulations related to the Human Resources profession and Absence Management. (DOL, HIPAA, PHI, FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, PWFA, etc.).
• Ability to apply good judgment, define problems and identify resolutions, collect and analyze data to identify and suggest process improvements to drive effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ability to balance, organize and prioritize multiple tasks while being flexible with daily workflows.
• Detail oriented, with ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience in Workday operating system required.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel level of expertise.
• Skilled in various Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, Teams and Outlook.
• AbsenceSoft software experience preferred.
• Ability to deliver exceptional customer service, communicating in a clear, convincing, articulate and well-organized manner.
• Proactively seek professional growth opportunities.

Working Conditions

• Exposed to moderate noise levels in cubicle office environment.
• Working from the office is required 4 days per week.
• Office environment with regular business hours. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during the “core” work hours.
• Required travel – occasionally for vendor conferences or internal and external meetings, less than 5%.

Physical Requirements

• While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards and other general office equipment.
• Regular sitting, reaching with hands/arms and repetitive wrist, hand and/or finger movement.
• Frequent talking and hearing.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.
• Normal attention.

Direct Reports

• This position will typically have 1-3 direct reports.

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.