Manager, Leave Administration

Brunswick; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k with match

Health Savings Account

Annual bonus eligibility

Paid vacation

Well‑being program

Product purchase discounts

Job summary

Brunswick is seeking a Leave Administration Manager in Mettawa, IL, hybrid work model. You will lead a team responsible for FMLA, ADA, disability, and other leave programs, ensuring compliant, efficient administration and partner with Payroll, Benefits, Legal, and HRBPs.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in HR, 5+ years of HR leadership, 2+ years of people management, and strong analytics. Role includes reporting, process improvement, and risk management with a focus on employee experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, disability management, and leave regulations.
• Experience managing leave processes within Workday or a comparable HRIS.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Leave Administration specialists.
• Oversee administration of all employee leave programs (FMLA, ADA, disability, military, paid family, etc.).
• Ensure compliance, timely review and return‑to‑work processing, and risk management.
• Serve as the SME for leave administration in Workday and related systems.
• Collaborate with Payroll, Benefits, Legal, and HR partners on leave cases.
• Develop dashboards and reporting to monitor leave trends and service levels.

Skills

HR Leadership

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

Are you ready for what’s next? Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next‑generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation. Location: Mettawa, IL Workplace Category: Hybrid Department: Human Resources Shared Services (HRSS) Reports To: Vice President, HR Systems and Processes Pay Range: $87,800 - 117,000

Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:

Position Summary

The Leave Administration Manager is responsible for leading the organization's leave of absence program and team, ensuring compliant, efficient, and employee-focused administration of all leave processes. This role oversees the end‑to‑end management of leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, state and provincial leave programs, short‑term and long‑term disability leaves, military leave, personal leaves of absence, and other statutory and non‑statutory leave programs. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, maintain regulatory compliance, ensure accurate Workday transactions, and partner closely with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Benefits, Legal, and external leave vendors to deliver a consistent and positive employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Leave Administration specialists.
  • Establish service levels, performance metrics, and quality standards.
  • Foster a culture of customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Manage team workload, escalations, and case prioritization.
• Leave Program Administration
  • Oversee administration of all employee leave programs, including:
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations
  • Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
  • Military Leave
  • Paid Family Leave programs
  • Personal Leaves of Absence
  • Company‑sponsored leave programs
  • Ensure timely review, approval, tracking, and return‑to‑work processing.
  • Manage complex and escalated leave cases.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local leave regulations.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and audit‑ready records.
  • Monitor legislative changes and implement required process updates.
  • Partner with Legal and Employee Relations on sensitive or high‑risk cases.
• Systems & Process Management
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for leave administration within Workday and related systems.
  • Ensure accurate leave entry, tracking, reporting, and data integrity.
  • Develop and maintain standardized operating procedures.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership
  • Collaborate with Payroll to ensure accurate pay impacts and benefit deductions.
  • Partner with Benefits on disability and leave vendor coordination.
  • Work closely with HR Business Partners and managers on employee leave situations.
  • Support workforce planning through leave reporting and trend analysis.
• Reporting & Analytics
  • Develop dashboards and reporting to monitor leave volume, trends, compliance, and service levels.
  • Identify opportunities to improve employee experience and operational efficiency.
  • Present insights and recommendations to HR leadership.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, disability management, and leave regulations.
• Experience managing leave processes within Workday or a comparable HRIS.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred:

• Experience in a shared services environment.
• Professional certifications such as: SHRM‑CP / SHRM‑SCP PHR / SPHR Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS).
• Experience working with third‑party leave administrators.
• Advanced reporting and HR analytics experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Range: $87,800 - $117,000 annually (actual base pay may vary based on qualifications and business needs).
• Annual discretionary bonus eligibility.
• Medical benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• Vision benefits.
• Paid vacation.
• 401k (up to 4% match).
• Health Savings Account (with company contribution).
• Well‑being program.
• Product purchase discounts.

Why Brunswick:

Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!

About Division/Brand

Brunswick Corporation is a leader in the marine industry, and we’re looking for people just like you to take part in the movement towards better boating for all. We rely on the thoughtful input of people from all backgrounds to create compelling, innovative products for our customers around the globe. As such, diversity, equity, and inclusion are priorities in the enduring culture of our company. As a world leader in emerging recreational products and technologies, when you join our team, you become part of some of the most innovative, forward‑looking brands in the marine industry today. Next is Now! We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.

Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] for support.

Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: [e-mail] or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https://www.brunswick.com/careers. If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or [e-mail].

Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify.

Brunswick is a global leader in marine recreation, delivering innovation that transforms experiences on the water and beyond. Our unique, technology‑driven solutions are informed and inspired by deep consumer insights and powered by our belief that “Next Never Rests™”. Brunswick is dedicated to industry leadership, to being the best and most trusted partner to our many customers, and to building synergies and ecosystems that enable us to challenge convention and define the future. Innovative, driven, exceptional, authentic and united, these values represent our Employee Value Proposition and are at the heart of how we work together and what differentiates us as an employer of choice.