Work Flexibility: Hybrid

As the Associate Manager – Leave Management, you will establish and lead a team of Leave Specialists within a Shared Services Model, ensuring the effective delivery of leave administration processes across the organization.

You will oversee program compliance, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and provide strategic leadership to ensure an exceptional employee experience throughout the leave journey. The role requires building strong cross-functional partnerships, maintaining data integrity, and promoting a culture of empathy and professionalism within the team.

Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Strategy

Establish and lead a team of Leave Specialists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.Define and implement best practices for leave management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.Train, mentor, and develop team members, creating growth opportunities and promoting a culture of continuous learning.Set clear team objectives, monitor performance, and provide constructive feedback.Act as the point of escalation for complex leave issues, providing guidance and resolution strategies.

Leave Administration

Oversee the administration of leave programs, including maternity leave, parental leave, long-term sick leave, and other statutory or company-specific leave types.Ensure compliance with local and regional regulations, staying updated on legislative changes impacting leave policies.Review and approve leave-related documentation and ensure timely submission to relevant stakeholders.Collaborate with payroll to guarantee accurate and timely leave payments.

Employee Experience & Stakeholder Communication

Provide empathetic support to employees navigating leave processes, ensuring a smooth experience before, during, and after leave.Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Centers of Excellence (COE), and HR Compliance teams to ensure consistent communication and process alignment.Deliver proactive and transparent communication to employees, managers, and other stakeholders.Facilitate effective reintegration of employees returning from leave.

Process Improvement & Reporting

Analyze leave program performance, track key metrics, and compile actionable reports for leadership.Identify opportunities for process enhancements and implement solutions to improve efficiency and employee satisfaction.Maintain and update Workday knowledge portals and leave-related resources, ensuring accessibility and accuracy.Support the design and rollout of new leave programs, contributing to policy updates and process enhancements.

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure all leave practices are compliant with legal and organizational policies.Manage pay-impact leaves, including claims submission, participation in review meetings, and producing necessary reports.Monitor and maintain accurate case management documentation to mitigate risks and maintain data integrity.

Education & Training Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in HR, with exposure to leave management.Strong understanding of leave administration and compliance requirements.Experience in a business-facing HR, HR Operations, or Shared Service role preferred.Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday) and workforce management tools (e.g., UKG).Fluency in English (written and spoken) and proficiency in a second European language (German, French, or Polish).Demonstrate ability to lead teams in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Qualifications & Experience:

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to navigate sensitive situations.Strong analytical skills, with experience in generating and interpreting reports.Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.Problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to addressing challenges.Empathy, professionalism, and commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Travel Percentage: 20%