Benefits Programs Lead - Leave & Time Off

Grainger; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 134,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day-one benefits

PTO and holidays

401(k) retirement plan contributions

Employee discounts

Job summary

Grainger, Lake Forest/Chicago hybrid, seeks a Senior Manager, Benefits (Leave, Disability & Time Off) to design, implement, and optimize U.S. leave and PTO programs. You’ll lead a two-person team and collaborate with Legal, Payroll, HR, and vendors to ensure compliant, efficient delivery.

The role requires 7+ years in employee benefits, a Bachelor's degree, and strong vendor management. Grainger offers day-one benefits, PTO, holidays, 401(k) contributions, and growth opportunities within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in HR, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Master’s Degree in HR, Business Administration, Finance preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in employee benefits including plan design and vendor management.
• Leadership experience managing employees or teams within benefits or related function.
• Knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA and IRS requirements.
• Experience evaluating benefit design and vendor services.
• Experience managing vendors, projects, and escalated benefit matters.
• Ability to communicate benefits strategies and risks to leaders and employees.

Responsibilities

• Design, administer, and improve leave, disability, accommodation, and PTO programs in line with business needs.
• Benchmark, analyze, and report on program performance, compliance, cost and risk.
• Partner with HR, Legal, Payroll, Benefits, Finance, and external providers to deliver programs.
• Manage external consultants and vendors with SLAs, reviews, and renewals.
• Lead benefits team members, set priorities, and resolve escalations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable requirements and monitor regulatory developments.
• Oversee workflows, data integrity, and reporting to improve operations and user experience.
• Develop policies, communications, training, and change plans for consistent administration.

Skills

Benefits strategy

Vendor management

Employee relations

Data analytics

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR or related field

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

Workday

Excel

Job description

Grainger, Lake Forest/Chicago hybrid, seeks a Senior Manager, Benefits (Leave, Disability & Time Off) to design, implement, and optimize U.S. leave and PTO programs. You’ll lead a two-person team and collaborate with Legal, Payroll, HR, and vendors to ensure compliant, efficient delivery.

The role requires 7+ years in employee benefits, a Bachelor's degree, and strong vendor management. Grainger offers day-one benefits, PTO, holidays, 401(k) contributions, and growth opportunities within a