Leave Program Manager

Patterson Companies, Inc.; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 86,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

401(k) Match Retirement Savings Plan

Paid Time Off

Volunteer Time Off

Parental and Adoption Leave

Job summary

Patterson Companies, Inc. is seeking a Leave Program Manager to design, implement, and manage leave of absence, disability, paid leave, accommodation, and return-to-work programs.

You will serve as the enterprise expert, guiding complex cases and coordinating with vendors to ensure compliance across multi-state regulations. You will lead cross-functional teams with HR, Legal, Payroll, Risk, and Operations to improve processes, data-driven outcomes, and employee experience while reducing risk and

Qualifications

• Proven experience interpreting and applying federal/state leave and disability regulations (FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA).
• Experience with outsourced leave management programs or third-party administrators.
• Strong vendor management and policy interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, administer, and continuously improve leave of absence, disability, paid leave, accommodation, and return-to-work programs.
• Serve as enterprise subject matter expert for leave and accommodation programs; consult on complex cases and policy interpretation.
• Oversee third-party administrators, set service expectations, monitor compliance, drive improvements in service delivery.
• Develop and maintain leave-related policies and procedures; align with laws and organizational goals.
• Partner with HR, Legal, Payroll, Risk Management, Operations to implement compliant leave solutions balancing employee needs with business needs.
• Analyze program data and regulatory developments to identify risks and recommend improvements.
• Lead return-to-work and workplace accommodation programs to reduce lost time and sustain productivity.
• Provide guidance and coaching on leave administration processes and regulatory requirements.
• Comply with company policies and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leave of absence management

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS

Leave management systems

Case management systems

Job description

Patterson isn't just a place to work, it's a partner that cares about your success. One of the distinguishing marks of our company is the talented people who embrace the people-first, always advancing, and results-driven culture. Professional growth abounds in this motivating environment. We value the diverse talents and experiences our employees bring to Patterson and believe that they build a stronger and successful organization. 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
• Grasping/Handling Rarely
• Move/Traverse Rarely
• Repetitive Motions Rarely
• Working Environment Hazards Occasionaly
• 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

What's In It For You

We provide competitive benefits, unique incentive programs and rewards for our eligible employees:

• Full Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits and an integrated Wellness Program
• 401(k) Match Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Holiday Pay & Floating Holidays
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Educational Assistance Program
• Full Paid Parental and Adoption Leave
• LifeWorks (Employee Assistance Program)
• Patterson Perks Program

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

EEO Statement

Patterson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.

At Patterson Companies, we live our values everyday. With more than 8,000 employees worldwide, we're responsible for providing dentists, veterinarians, animal producers, and farmers with the support they need to keep us and our animals healthy.