Benefits & Leave Specialist — Compliance & Care

James Hardie; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 71,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Health insurance (day‑one)

Vacation & holidays

401(k) with match

Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

James Hardie is seeking a Benefits & Leave Specialist to oversee day-to-day benefits administration and leave management from the Chicago corporate office. The role serves employees, managers, HR Partners, Payroll, and external vendors, ensuring compliant, customer‑focused service.

The position reports to the Benefits Director and requires 3–5 years in benefits administration, with HRIS and payroll system experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• 3-5 years of progressive experience in benefits administration.
• Strong understanding of benefits and leave regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (SuccessFactors, ADP, UKG) and benefits platforms (WEX).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to handle sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Manage leave of absence cases from intake through return-to-work.
• Administer and support FMLA, ADA, PWFA, USERRA, workers’ compensation, state leaves, disability and company leave programs.
• Review leave requests and documentation for eligibility and protections.
• Track leave usage, certifications, extensions, return-to-work docs, and deadlines.
• Serve as primary contact for employees, managers, and HR Business Partners during leave and accommodation processes.
• Coordinate with third‑party leave administrators for timely case management.
• Facilitate interactive accommodations with employees, managers, HR, Legal, and healthcare providers.
• Maintain confidential records and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate return-to-work processes and post-leave transitions.
• Escalate high‑risk cases as appropriate.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement policy updates.
• Support audits, regulatory reporting, and documentation.
• Analyze benefits/leave trends and identify risks for process improvements.
• Participate in system implementations, testing, and vendor reviews.
• Develop employee communications, training materials, FAQs, and documentation.
• Identify opportunities for automation and improved controls.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business Admin

Tools

SuccessFactors

ADP

UKG

WEX

Job description

James Hardie is seeking a Benefits & Leave Specialist to oversee day-to-day benefits administration and leave management from the Chicago corporate office. The role serves employees, managers, HR Partners, Payroll, and external vendors, ensuring compliant, customer‑focused service.

The position reports to the Benefits Director and requires 3–5 years in benefits administration, with HRIS and payroll system experience.