Leave Program Manager

Patterson Companies; BLOOMINGTON, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Patterson Companies in Bloomington, MN is seeking a Leave Program Manager responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of leave of absence, disability, paid leave, accommodation, and return-to-work programs. The role ensures regulatory compliance and delivers an optimal employee experience across the enterprise.

You will serve as the subject matter expert on leave and accommodation programs, oversee third-party administrators, and drive process improvements through

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field, or equivalent education and/or experience
• 7 years of progressive experience in leave of absence, disability, accommodation administration, or related benefits experience
• 5 years of experience administering multi-state short-term disability, long-term disability, and state paid leave programs
• Experience working with an outsourced leave management program or third-party administrator supporting leave and accommodation requests

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, administer, and evaluate leave of absence, disability, paid leave, accommodation, and return-to-work programs to ensure regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and a positive employee experience
• Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for protected leave, disability, accommodation, and return-to-work programs, providing consultation and direction on highly complex cases, escalated issues, and policy interpretation
• Lead the oversight and vendor management of third-party administrators, establishing service expectations, resolving escalated issues, monitoring compliance, and driving continuous improvements in service delivery and program outcomes
• Develop, maintain, and update leave-related policies, procedures, and program documentation, ensuring alignment with changing federal, state, and local laws and organizational objectives
• Partner with Human Resources, Legal, Payroll, Risk Management, Operations, and other stakeholders to implement compliant and effective leave and accommodation solutions that balance employee needs with business requirements
• Analyze program data, trends, regulatory developments, and operational metrics to identify risks, recommend strategic improvements, and implement solutions that enhance compliance, employee support, and organizational effectiveness
• Direct the development and administration of return-to-work and workplace accommodation programs, promoting timely and sustainable employee reintegration while reducing lost work time and supporting workforce productivity
• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical expertise to team members, managers, and HR partners regarding leave administration processes, regulatory requirements, and best practices
• Comply with Company and department policies and standards; performs other duties as assigned

Skills

Leave management

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Policy development

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Employee relations

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

Leave management systems

Case management systems

Job description

The Leave Program Manager is accountable for the design, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of leave of absence, disability, paid leave, accommodation, and return-to-work programs while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role serves as the organization's subject matter expert for leave and accommodation programs, providing guidance on complex cases, overseeing third-party administrators, and driving enterprise-wide process enhancements. This role leads cross-functional initiatives that improve program effectiveness, employee experience, compliance, and operational outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Accountable for the design, implementation, administration, and ongoing evaluation of leave of absence, disability, paid leave, accommodation, and return-to-work programs to ensure regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and a positive employee experience
• Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for protected leave, disability, accommodation, and return-to-work programs, providing consultation and direction on highly complex cases, escalated issues, and policy interpretation
• Lead the oversight and vendor management of third-party administrators, establishing service expectations, resolving escalated issues, monitoring compliance, and driving continuous improvements in service delivery and program outcomes
• Develop, maintain, and update leave-related policies, procedures, and program documentation, ensuring alignment with changing federal, state, and local laws and organizational objectives
• Partner with Human Resources, Legal, Payroll, Risk Management, Operations, and other stakeholders to implement compliant and effective leave and accommodation solutions that balance employee needs with business requirements
• Analyze program data, trends, regulatory developments, and operational metrics to identify risks, recommend strategic improvements, and implement solutions that enhance compliance, employee support, and organizational effectiveness
• Direct the development and administration of return-to-work and workplace accommodation programs, promoting timely and sustainable employee reintegration while reducing lost work time and supporting workforce productivity
• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical expertise to team members, managers, and HR partners regarding leave administration processes, regulatory requirements, and best practices
• Comply with Company and department policies and standards; performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent education and/or experience
• 7 years of progressive experience in leave of absence, disability, accommodation administration, or related benefits experience and
• 5 years of experience administering multi-state short-term disability, long-term disability, and state paid leave programs and
• Experience working with an outsourced leave management program or third-party administrator supporting leave and accommodation requests

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with HRIS, leave management, and case management systems

Skills and Abilities

• Proven experience interpreting and applying federal and state leave, disability, and accommodation regulations, including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, state paid leave programs, and related compliance requirements
• Ability to interpret complex regulations, assess risk, and make sound decisions to resolve sensitive employee situations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex policies and requirements to diverse audiences both internally and externally
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and influence outcomes across multiple functions
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop data-driven recommendations
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills with a focus on achieving timely and practical solutions
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects, managing competing priorities, and executing initiatives; experience leading program improvements, implementations or vendor transitions
• Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information

Preferred Licenses and Certifications

• Professional certification in Human Resources, Benefits, Disability Management, or Leave Administration (e.g., SHRM, HRCI, CLMS, CDMS) Preferred

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Communicate/Hearing Frequently
• Communicate/Talking Frequently
• Learn New Tasks or Concepts Frequently
• Make Timely Decisions in the Context of a Workflow Frequently
• Complete Tasks Independently Constantly
• Maintain Focus Constantly
• Remember Processes & Procedures Constantly
• Stationary Position (Seated) Constantly
• Vision Constantly
• Hand/Eye Coordination Occasionally
• Bend Rarely
• Complete Tasks in a Noisy Environment Rarely
• Feeling/Grasping/Handling Rarely
• Move/Traverse Rarely
• Repetitive Motions Rarely

Working Environment

• Hazards Occasionally

Environmental Conditions

• Office: This position primarily operates in a professional office environment in which team members occupy desks in assigned areas or at meeting/collaboration spaces within the building. The building's primary work areas consist of desks, chairs, computers, and other office equipment and devices for professional services.
• Remote: This position primarily completes work from a remote setting, most commonly, a home office. This may be referenced as flexible workplace.

Travel Requirements

• This position does not require travel

The potential compensation range for this role is below. The final offer amount could exceed this range, based on various factors such as candidate location (geographical labor market), experience, and skills. $85,500.00 - $113,966.67