The Senior Manager, Benefits and Absence oversees the policies and programs related to benefits and absences (leaves and workers compensation) at The Jackson Laboratory. Acts as the team lead for benefits and absence function, reporting to the Senior Director, Total Rewards. The Senior Manager, Benefits and Absence is a key player in the development and execution of the goals and strategy of the Total Rewards team.

This role will be either hybrid remote 2/3 days per week to our ME or CT locations. Seeking Worker's comp and leaves experience!!

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• The senior manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's employee benefits program, leaves of absence and workers compensation program under the guidance of the Senior Director, Total Rewards. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, JAX policies, and serving as subject matter expert in these areas.

• Regularly evaluates the effectiveness and competitiveness of the benefit programs, and provides input for improvement to the Senior Director, Total Rewards .

• Develops and implements absence management policies and procedures to effectively track and manage employee absences, including sick leave, vacation time, and other forms of time off.

• Establishes guidelines for managing leave of absence programs and requests in compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

• Oversees the ergonomic assessment program through collaboration with the worker's compensation TPA and Occupational Medicine provider(s) to ensure a safe work environment for on-site and remote employees.

• Drives the implementation, communication, and administration of new leave, disability programs, benefits, and worker's compensation programs.

• Works closely with HR Business Partners, Occupational Health, and managers to provide support associated with absence management and return to work, including development of recommendation for modified works schedules and arrangements to help transition employees back to work;

• Communicates benefits information to employees in a clear and timely manner, including during onboarding, open enrollment periods, and throughout the year as needed. This may involve creating educational materials, conducting information sessions, to ensure that employees understand their benefits options.

• Participates in Retirement plan audits, 5500s, familiar with 403b and 457 executive retirement plans.

• Analyzing data related to benefits utilization, absences, and employee satisfaction to identify trends, and make recommendations for improvements. Generating adhoc reports for senior management and using data-driven insights to help inform strategic decision-making related to benefits and absences management.

• Manages benefits and absence vendor relationship.

• Supervises all aspects of the employee customer service operations related to benefits, leave, disability, and worker's compensation matters; serving as point of manager escalations as needed.

• Develops and maintains policies, procedures, and programs in accordance with state and federal regulations for all JAX benefits, leaves and the worker's compensation program with input from the Senior Director.

• Actively participates in RFP questionnaires for subject areas.

• Implements and administers consistent disciplinary policies and processes

• Provides input into the use of technology in benefits and absence management working closely with the HRIS team.

• Supervises and coaches assigned staff with an objective to retain and expand organizational talent through focused attention and efforts; provides timely and constructive feedback and manages performance issues when necessary.

• May participate in special projects and completes other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Efficient with self-management, and highly motivated; able to thrive in a fast-moving environment

• Bachelor's degree in related field with at least 5-6 years of progressively responsible experience in Benefit, Leave management, and Workers Compensation- comparable combination of education and experience;

• CPDM, CEBS and/or SPHR certification desirable;

• Workday experience preferred;

• In-depth and current knowledge of relevant regulations (e.g.AC, ERISA, Section 125, FSA, Retirement plans, FMLA, ADA, Workers Compensation, state leave programs, etc.);

• Experience in project management with significant emphasis on process design;

• Experience in selection and management of third-party-administrators;

• Strong focus and commitment to exceptional customer service;

• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely;

• Dedication to ongoing process improvement;

• Advanced ability in working with relational databases and Microsoft Office programs;

• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills;

• Strong analytical skills with ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and data sets.

• Passion for and excellence in thinking strategically and process improvement

• Membership in, and leadership in, Human Resources or other Business or Professional groups

• Demonstrated ability to think outside the box and creatively solve for unique situations.

• Resourceful and willing to learn and able to develop others.

• Ability to understand, implement and utilize best practices human resources information systems and technologies

• Evidence of innovation and initiative in current and prior positions

• Ability to maintain highly confidential information

• Excellent technical project management, interpersonal, and customer service skills

• Required understanding of compliance with ERISA, ADA, OSHA and other regulations.

• Strong participation in employee education and policy administration.

Pay Range: $111,488 - $186,656 based on total years of related experience

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California),Japan andChina. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.