Sr. Benefits Specialist

Company Profile:

At CAVA we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards something big , together.

We foster a culture built on five core values:

• Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others.
• Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.
• Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.
• Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility.
• Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.

Senior Benefits Specialist (role requires 4 days/week in our DC or Plano, TX office)

The Senior Benefits Specialist supports the administration of CAVA’s Leave of Absence programs. This role is responsible for partnering with the third party leave administrator, managing tasks and leaves for the enterprise, and partnering with operators and P&C Business partners on case management. As a key partner within the Total Rewards team, this role helps ensure CAVA’s Leave of Absence case management is compliant, easy to navigate and team members are provided positive and supportive communications throughout their case.

Success at CAVA: At CAVA, Individual Contributors focus on delivering high-quality work, owning tasks, and contributing to team success. We look for team members who take initiative, collaborate across teams, and stay curious about how their work supports broader goals.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage CAVA's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including vendor relationship and utilization.
• Manage and maintain CAVA's PTO programs including Community and Voting Leave, Vacation, Sick, and Parental Leave.
• Administer CAVA’s leave of absence case management.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex LOA or ADA requests.
• Manage the auditing and tracking of leaves.
• Support the annual benefits renewal and open enrollment process, including system testing, communication, and reporting.
• Maintain compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations, including required notices and filings.
• Ensure team member records are up to date and maintained in the HRIS Platform to ensure accurate pay and leave tracking.
• Maintain compliance with applicable regulations, including required notices and filings.
• Support benefits communication initiatives to drive awareness and understanding of CAVA’s offerings.
• Partner with Payroll and HRIS teams to ensure accurate payment for LOAs occur timely.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, People Operations, and other P&C teams on leave coordination and accommodations.

The Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• 4–6 years of experience in benefits administration, total rewards, or HR operations, preferably in a high-growth, multi-state environment.
• Strong knowledge of Leave of Absence management including FMLA, STD, LTD, state specific leaves and ADA.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations governing benefits, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills; experience with UKG or similar HRIS preferred.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field required. CEBS certification or similar credentials a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
• For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
• Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
• Early Wage Access!
• Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
• 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
• Free CAVA food
• Casual work environment
• The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
• All exempt and non exempt employees are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and you have until the day before the effective date to enroll. A new hire can enroll in our benefit program by selecting a link that is emailed directly to the new hire at their personal email address once hired.
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.
• The posting range is an all cash range.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position, and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

*Indicates qualifying eligible positions only

CAVA – Joining “A culture, not a concept”

As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.

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