Benefits & Leave Administrator - Detroit Lakes, MN

Benefits and Leave Administrator Location: Detroit Lakes, MN (Hybrid) Job Type: Permanent Compensation: $65,000 - $95,000 Annually Industry: Quality Control Solutions About the Role Our client, a growing multi-state engineering and manufacturing organization with approximately 800 employees across 14 U.S. locations, is seeking a Benefits and Leave Administrator to lead and manage the day‑to‑day administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of their employee benefits and leave programs. This is a highly visible role that serves as the primary administrator and subject‑matter expert for benefits, leave management, workers’ compensation, and wellness initiatives across the organization. As the company continues to expand through acquisitions, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on employee experience and operational excellence at scale. Job Description In this role, you will own the full lifecycle administration of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, COBRA, wellness initiatives, and leave of absence programs. You will partner closely with employees, leaders, vendors, insurance carriers, and third‑party administrators to deliver a concierge‑level employee experience while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. You will independently manage leave of absence and ADA accommodation processes, coordinate workers’ compensation claims and return‑to‑work programs, reconcile benefit billing, oversee open enrollment activities, support 401(k) administration, maintain accurate HRIS and vendor data, and develop employee communication and training materials related to benefits and leave programs. Additionally, you will play a key role in analyzing participation trends, identifying process improvements, supporting broader HR initiatives, and helping enhance employee engagement and wellness efforts across the organization. This role requires a high level of ownership, judgment, confidentiality, and organization, along with the ability to manage complex employee situations with professionalism and care. Key Responsibilities Administer the full lifecycle of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, STD, LTD, COBRA, and wellness initiatives. Independently manage leave of absence (FMLA and state leave) and ADA accommodation processes from intake through resolution. Coordinate workers’ compensation claims, return‑to‑work programs, and OSHA‑related reporting. Oversee open enrollment, including planning, vendor coordination, employee communications, and system configuration. Reconcile benefit billing and ensure timely, accurate payments to carriers and vendors. Support 401(k) plan administration, including compliance, audits, and employee education. Maintain accurate employee data within the HRIS and across third‑party benefit platforms. Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for employee questions related to benefits, leave, accommodations, and eligibility. Develop and deliver employee communications, training materials, and resources related to benefits and leave programs. Analyze participation trends, identify process improvements, and support organizational HR initiatives. Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, OSHA, and applicable state leave laws. Travel 10–15% to support multi‑site operations as needed. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. 7+ years of progressive experience in benefits and leave administration. Strong knowledge of employee benefits, leave administration, and compliance requirements including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, OSHA, and applicable state leave laws. Experience independently administering and managing health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, leave of absence, and workers’ compensation programs from onboarding through offboarding. Experience serving as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for employee questions related to benefits, leave administration, accommodations, and eligibility. Experience managing complex leave and accommodation situations while maintaining confidentiality, compliance, and excellent employee service. Familiarity with multi‑state leave and benefit administration requirements and evolving employment regulations. Experience coordinating open enrollment processes, benefits communications, vendor relationships, billing reconciliation, and annual compliance activities. Experience working within an HRIS along with third‑party benefit administration platforms. Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization. Highly self‑directed with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, manage sensitive information, and exercise sound judgment independently. Ability to travel 10–15%. Preferred Qualifications: Experience using UKG as the HRIS platform. Professional certifications such as SHRM-CP/SCP, CEBS, or other related benefits/HR certifications. Experience supporting a multi‑state organization within the engineering, manufacturing, or industrial sector. Experience supporting HR integration activities related to acquisitions or organizational growth. Benefits Our client offers a robust benefits package including health, life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance as well as dental and vision programs you need to take care of your family, along with other benefit options. Equal Opportunity Statement As an equal opportunity employer, Dahl Consulting welcomes candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. We look forward to meeting you! #J-18808-Ljbffr Dahl Consulting