Leave Administrator
The Leave Administrator position represents an opportunity for an experienced leave administration professional to have a major impact on our employees and their families. Being passionate about helping others, caring about achieving high level results, providing a high level of customer service, and continuous learning are qualities required to succeed in this position. Equally important to being customer focused is having an in-depth working knowledge of statutory and employer provided leave benefits. The Leave Administrator will also act as a back-up to our Benefit Specialists so broad working knowledge and experience with employer provided benefits, along with carrier benefit systems and processes, are essential.
The Leave Administrator is primarily responsible for managing all aspects of employee leaves, including but not limited to FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, Military, Maternity/Parental leave, and other company-specific and state leave programs. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, exceptional organizational and communication skills, and a passion for supporting employees and their families during critical times in their lives
Laitram is a vibrant, forward-thinking company built on innovation, and brings integrity and continuous improvement to its four operating divisions - Intralox, Laitram Machinery, Lapeyre Stair and Laitram Machine Shop. The Laitram Business Philosophy supports an open, self-managed environment where employees are committed to continuous improvement and valued for their ideas, teamwork and effort.
Laitram offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who want to work for an established, yet consistently growing company, with opportunities for international exposure, continuous improvement, and career advancement. Laitram has been recognized for innovation and workplace excellence, including the New Orleans City Business “Best Place to Work” award.
We are a family owned company where we treat others the way we would expect to be treated: with respect, honesty, and fairness.
Essential Functions:
- Administer and manage employee leave programs (FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, Military Leave, etc.) for Laitram’s US operations of 2,800+ employees
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave programs and regulations.
- Serve as the main point of contact for employees regarding leave of absence inquiries.
- Coordinate with internal departments and third-party vendors to ensure seamless leave processing.
- Maintain accurate and confidential employee leave records and documentation.
- Provide timely and consistent communication with employees throughout the leave process.
- Track leave balances, update timecards weekly/bi-weekly and ensure accurate payroll and benefits coordination during absences.
- Educate managers and employees on leave policies and processes.
- Recommend and implement process improvements and support policy updates.
- Assist the Communications team with the development of leave communications through videos, emails, presentations, websites, social media and flyers.
- Present at new hire orientation.
- Act as back-up for the Benefit Specialists including but not limited to:
- Administer employee benefits including eligibility, elections, qualified life events and premium deductions.
- Serve as liaison to third party administrators to research and resolve employee issues. Contact for employee benefit questions and responds timely to all phone and email inquiries. Continually develops knowledge base of benefit FAQs.
- Ensure compliance with all benefits policies and plan documents as well as benefits related federal and state regulations such as HIPAA, COBRA, etc.
- Participate in the selection, design and implementation of benefit programs and providers.
- Participate in health and wellness events such as annual flu shots, biometric screenings, health fairs, education seminars and the like.
Requirements:
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business or related field
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in leave administration and benefits coordination
- Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, COBRA and other relevant employment laws
- Experience using HRIS and leave management systems (e.g., Oracle, ADP, Kronos)
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Experience administering health and welfare plans and programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness, disability, life, voluntary benefits and 401(k)
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Ability to learn new technologies and possess the technical aptitude required to understand flow of data through systems as well as system interactions.
- Demonstrated ability to work under strict time constraints, pay close attention to detail and perform tasks accurately and completely
- Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate in simple terms
- High degree of initiative with strong analytical and decision-making skills
- Team player with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines
- HR certification (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) a plus
Working Conditions:
- On-site at either Laitram’s Harahan or Hammond, LA locations with potential hybrid-remote work option. M-F work schedule required.
- Extended work hours may be required as dictated by business needs
#LI-AT1