Senior Benefits Manager

Alpha Executive Search; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpha Executive Search is seeking a Sr. Benefits Manager to lead LOA, disability, and workers' compensation programs across a multi-state workforce, including California. You will own leave programs, coordinate with TPAs, and drive cost reductions while improving the employee experience.

The role requires SME-level LOA/WC and regulatory expertise with 5+ years at the manager level, and a Bachelor's degree. The position follows a hybrid model with four days in the office and one day remote.

Qualifications

• 5+ years at Manager/Sr. Manager level
• SME-level expertise in LOA, WC, disability, absenteeism, and multi-state regulatory compliance
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and state/local leave laws
• Experience leading teams and managing TPAs/vendors

Responsibilities

• Lead LOA, FMLA, ADA, WC, and leave programs
• Oversee vendors, claims, compliance, and return-to-work strategies
• Be the senior escalation point for complex LOA, disability, and absenteeism issues
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve processes

Skills

LOA expertise

WC claims

Disability management

Multi-state compliance

Vendor management

Cost analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ADP

Workday Absence

Job description

Sr. Benefits Manager – Leave, Disability & Workers' Compensation

Lead the strategy. Improve the process. Make an impact.

We're looking for a Sr. Benefits Manager who is a true SME in Leave of Absence (LOA), Workers' Compensation, disability, and absence management to lead programs that impact both employees and the business.

You'll own LOA, FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, STD/LTD, state/local paid leave, and company leave programs, while overseeing vendors, claims, compliance, return-to-work/accommodation strategies, and a team of experienced professionals.

You'll also be the go-to expert and senior escalation point for complex LOA, disability, WC, compliance, and absenteeism issues across a multi-state workforce, including California. A key focus will be identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve processes, and strengthen the employee experience.

What We're Looking For:

• 5+ years at the Manager/Sr. Manager level with demonstrated leadership experience.
• SME-level expertise in LOA, Workers’ Compensation claims, disability, absenteeism, and multi-state regulatory compliance, ideally including California.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, state/local leave laws, and return-to-work/accommodation practices.
• Experience leading teams and managing third-party vendors/TPAs.
• Proven ability to analyze costs and utilization and drive meaningful improvements.
• Experience with Workforce, ADP, Workday Absence, or similar systems is a plus.
• Strong analytical, creative, collaborative, and process/project management skills.
• Bachelor's degree required; any field.
• 4 days/week in office; 5th day flexible/remote.