Lead Leave & Accommodations Programs Manager

Sidley Austin; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Benefits program

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago seeks a Leave Administration and Accommodations Manager to oversee firm-wide leave and accommodation programs across U.S. offices, including FMLA, CFRA, ADA/ADAA, PWFA, and disability accommodations. You will lead day-to-day operations, drive improvements, and ensure compliance.

The role partners with HR, Legal, Payroll, and Benefits, manages third-party leave administrators, analyzes data, and develops policies and trainings to support managers and employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Admin, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5–7 years of progressive leave of absence administration or HR experience.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, CFRA, ADA/ADAA, PWFA, and state/local leave laws.
• Experience managing complex or sensitive leave cases.
• Experience working with third-party leave administrators or vendors.
• Ability to partner with HR, Legal, Payroll, and management.
• Strong analytical, data interpretation and reporting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the firm’s subject matter expert for leave and accommodations with regulatory compliance across U.S. offices.
• Manage full lifecycle of leave cases from intake to return to work.
• Oversee end-to-end interactive process for disability and religious accommodations.
• Provide guidance on complex matters and escalation handling.
• Develop and manage Leave & Accommodation team performance and training.
• Drive process improvements, workflows, and service level standards.
• Partner with Legal and HR leadership on risk management and audits.
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Payroll, and Benefits.
• Monitor data trends and provide actionable insights to mitigate risk.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Workday

AbsenceSoft

Job description

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago seeks a Leave Administration and Accommodations Manager to oversee firm-wide leave and accommodation programs across U.S. offices, including FMLA, CFRA, ADA/ADAA, PWFA, and disability accommodations. You will lead day-to-day operations, drive improvements, and ensure compliance.

The role partners with HR, Legal, Payroll, and Benefits, manages third-party leave administrators, analyzes data, and develops policies and trainings to support managers and employees.