US Benefits & Leave Manager

Job Overview Position Title: Manager, US Benefits and Wellbeing Location : NYC (Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite) Reports to : Director, Total Rewards Scope: US About The Wella Company Together, WE enable individuals to look, feel, and be their true selves. Wella Company is one of the world’s leading beauty companies, comprised of a family of iconic brands such as Wella, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally, presence in over 100 countries, Wella Company and its brands enable consumers to look, feel, and be their true selves. As innovators in the hair and nail industry, Wella Company empowers its people to delight consumers, inspire beauty professionals, engage communities, and deliver sustainable growth to its stakeholders. For additional information about the Wella Company please visit The Role The Manager of US Benefits & Wellbeing plays a strategic and operational role within Wella Company’s Total Rewards function. This position helps shape the vision for Wella’s benefits and wellbeing programs by designing, influencing, and delivering initiatives that support the diverse needs of employees across the United States. The role leads implementation, communication, vendor management, and compliance for benefits, leaves of absence, wellbeing initiatives, and immigration coordination—ensuring a consistent, engaging, and compliant employee experience. Responsibilities Lead end‑to‑end delivery of US benefit programs—including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k), and voluntary benefits—ensuring programs are administered seamlessly and effectively. Along with the Total Rewards Director, evaluate plan design, marketplace competitiveness, and employee experience; recommend improvements that balance cost, value, and strategic alignment. Drive year‑round benefits education, creating an integrated strategy informed by data, vendor insights, and People Team feedback. Lead Open Enrollment planning and execution, including communications, timelines, system readiness, and employee support. Oversee all US benefits audits and serve as the subject matter expert for benefits‑related audit workstreams in broader company reviews. Partner Procurement and Finance to manage vendor onboarding, purchase orders, and timely invoice payment. Ensuring accurate financial tracking and cost allocation, including ongoing analysis to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making. Act as a program ambassador through new hire orientations and ongoing communication, ensuring employees understand their benefits and how to access them. Own the US wellbeing strategy and annual calendar, ensuring alignment with the global wellbeing framework and tailoring initiatives to local needs. Design, plan, and deliver programs that elevate engagement and support Wella’s wellbeing pillars across diverse employee groups and locations. Lead the US Benefits Viva Engage content strategy, using thoughtful, timely, and relevant communication to promote awareness, participation, and connection. Leave Management Oversee leave and accommodation cases from simple to most complex, often requiring specialized knowledge and attention. Ensure compliance with FMLA, ADA, state/local leave laws, and disability programs as applicable. Provide clear pay guidance for employees to Payroll for employees on leave of absences or reduced schedules. Navigate sensitive employee situations with empathy, consistency, and sound judgment while upholding company policies and legal requirements. Mobility Ensure mobility support aligns with global and local policy guidelines and contributes to a positive employee experience. Support day‑to‑day administration of immigration cases by collaborating with legal counsel, People Business Partners, and employees to ensure timely and compliant processing. Ensure purchase orders, invoicing, and cost related to Mobility is appropriately allocated. Compliance Ensure all benefits and leave programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable state laws. Maintain accurate, compliant documentation, policies, and procedures that reflect current regulatory requirements and Wella practices. Safeguard data integrity across HR systems and vendor platforms (e.g., Alight, MW2) through proactive oversight and strong controls. Monitor legislative and regulatory changes, assessing their impact and advising People Partners and leadership on necessary updates. Other Provide responsive, high‑quality service to employees and managers, ensuring a positive and consistent benefits and leave experience. Offer subject‑matter expertise on benefits and leave‑related employee relations matters, helping leaders navigate complex or sensitive situations. Collaborate with HR teams and cross‑functional partners—including payroll, IT, facilities, and People Services—to ensure smooth execution of HR processes. Support internal communication, onboarding, and training initiatives related to benefits, wellbeing, and leaves. Prepare and deliver reporting, dashboards, and analytics that inform strategy, planning, and compliance. Perform additional duties as required to support Total Rewards and the broader HR function. Minimum Qualifications 6+ years of HR experience, including at least 2 years specializing in US benefits and leave administration. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or related field. Demonstrated experience managing or supporting multi-state or multi-site employee populations. Experience managing vendor relationships, including brokers, carriers, and wellbeing partners. Experience leading Open Enrollment, developing wellbeing initiatives, and creating leave or benefits-related policy updates. Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, and state leave laws (including CA and NY). High level of confidentiality and sound business judgment, ability to build trust with internal and external stakeholders in complex and sensitive situations. Strong business partnership skills with the ability to build trusted relationships in complex or sensitive situations. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HRIS reporting. Preferred CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, CBP, or other relevant certifications. Experience with mobility/immigration processes. Notices All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. This email account will not respond to inquiries regarding the status of a candidate’s application. Wella participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. Information regarding your rights: Know Your Rights and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wella Company