Manager, Leave Administration, Retirement, and Wellness Programs - Remote

Overview The Manager, Leave Administration, Retirement, and Wellness Programs oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the company’s leave administration functions and employee wellness programs. This role reports to the Vice President of Benefits, Leaves, and Wellness and is responsible for developing and managing a team of 2-3 reports while ensuring effective administration of leave programs, retirement and financial plans and programs, paid time off plans, wellness initiatives, and related employee support programs. Responsibilities Oversee and lead the end‑to‑end administration of all leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, state‑paid leaves, disabilities, military leave, worker’s compensation coordination, and company leaves, ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Manage high‑volume leave operations, ensuring SLAs and turnaround times are consistently met and escalated leave inquiries are handled fairly and quickly; serve as the primary escalation point for complex, high‑risk, or sensitive leave and accommodation cases. Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) providing leadership, creative direction, and project management for the design, implementation, and administration of an integrated wellness strategy that enhances employee well‑being and drives meaningful engagement. Provide oversight of the 401(k) retirement plan by ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating and preparing for retirement plan committee meetings, audits, and managing day‑to‑day administrative activities in collaboration with plan advisors and service providers. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations including FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, and related reporting and documentation requirements. Oversee third‑party administrators and vendors supporting leave, disability, retirement, wellness, and employee assistance programs. Lead other financial benefit programs such as Workplace Giving/Match program, tuition reimbursement, financial education and advisor programs, etc. Partner cross‑functionally with HR Business Partner, Employee Relations, Payroll and HR Technology teams to resolve any issues or discrepancies related to leave administration or programs supported by the team. Lead the communication strategy for leave, financial well‑being, and wellness programs by partnering with HR Communications to ensure clear, timely, and engaging employee education across all channels. Support project management for annual processes and vendor implementations, including facilitating provider renewals and RFPs in partnership with Procurement, Finance, Legal, and external consultants. Measure plan and program performance and provide reporting, metrics and strategic insights to leadership. Manage and lead the leave administration and wellness staff on daily administration of tasks, maintaining high morale, productivity and providing developmental opportunities. Manage, mentor, and coach the leave administration and wellness staff to improve overall leave management and benefit administration competency. Perform other benefits or total rewards projects as needed. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree preferred; CBP, CEBS, SHRM‑CP, PHR preferred. 8+ years of experience in Benefits, including managing leave of absence programs, with 3+ years in a team lead, supervisor, or manager role overseeing leaves, retirement plans, and benefits operations. Experience working within HR Systems; experience with Workday HRIS system preferred. Strong knowledge of benefits regulations, including COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, PPACA, Section 125 and other applicable laws. Strong knowledge of federal and state leave laws, including FMLA, ADA, AA, and other applicable regulations. Strong leadership skills with ability to handle sensitive issues in a confidential and professional manner. Effective interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization and build and maintain relationships with vendors and consultants. Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data‑driven recommendations. Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats and give presentations using various audiovisual support aids. Ability to balance multiple projects, work in a fast‑paced environment, and meet deadlines. Ability to exercise initiative, display detail orientation, and focus on complex and repetitive tasks. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in making decisions. Demonstrate behaviors based on Velera’s values: Dedication, Collaboration, Belonging, Curiosity, and Integrity. Benefits Competitive wages: $105,600.00 – $134,600.00 (adjusted based on experience and other job‑related factors). Health insurance (medical with telemedicine, dental, vision). Basic and optional life insurance. Paid time off (PTO), maternity, parental, family care. Community volunteer time off, 12 paid holidays, company paid disability insurance. 401(k) with employer match, Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions. Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Supplemental insurance. Mental health and well‑being support (Employee Assistance Program). Tuition reimbursement. Wellness program. Remote Work Environment Velera offers a remote‑first, flexible environment that prioritizes psychological safety, wellbeing, and belonging. Employees are encouraged to collaborate with teams across geographic locations and have access to the resources needed to succeed in a flexible work setting. EEO & Equal Opportunity Statement Velera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local law. Velera complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the “EEO is the Law” poster. Velera will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Velera is an E‑Verify Employer. Additional Information Pay equity: $105,600.00 – $134,600.00. This role is currently not eligible for sponsorship. For accommodations, contact a recruiter at View email address on click.appcast.io. The role is not open for new applications; all interested parties are directed to the company career site for current opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr