Senior Specialist, HR - Benefits (Leave & Disability)

Senior Specialist, HR – Benefits (Leave & Disability) As Senior Specialist, HR – Benefits, you will manage all aspects of U.S. Leave & Disability Process for both union and non‑union employees. Reporting directly to the Senior Benefits Manager, you will serve as the premier Subject Matter Expert (SME) across North America. This role oversees the administration and continuous improvement of leave of absence and disability programs, recommending and implementing changes. You will support HR partners across all locations and collaborate with the Benefits team, cross‑functional stakeholders, external consultants, and legal counsel to ensure programs are well understood, effective, and compliant. Responsibilities Own vendor relationships, including serving as the primary escalation point for employees, HR partners, and providers; manage the Leave & Disability inbox and resolve issues timely. Monitor claim activity and payments; track and reconcile data with Payroll and HRIS teams to ensure accuracy and identify trends. Partner with the Sr. Manager, Internal Compliance, plan administrator, consultants, and other stakeholders to maintain compliant, accurate plan documentation and communications (SPDs and internal policy updates) and implement updates driven by regulatory or business changes. Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable federal, state, and local leave and disability requirements, including FMLA, ADA, and state‑specific leave laws. Develop and deliver training for HR partners on leave and disability processes; maintain employee‑facing benefit site content and internal HR reference materials. Provide consultation and support to Legal on leave/disability matters, including appeals and internal/external claims; support accommodation case coordination consistent with applicable laws and company policies. Partner with Risk Management on coordination of leave and workers’ compensation cases, ensuring appropriate alignment and compliance. Maintain file feeds and data integrity for the North America population (including Willis Towers systems), managing updates, researching error reports, and coordinating resolution of discrepancies. Collaborate cross‑functionally with HR, EHS, Occupational Health, Payroll, HRIS, and Legal to drive consistent communication, issue resolution, and continuous process improvement to enhance the employee experience. Analyze plan performance and costs; develop recommendations for management and lead implementation of approved changes, including vendor coordination and required communication/SPD updates. Support Annual Enrollment activities as needed, including testing and validation of eligibility and rate calculations. Support the Senior Benefits Manager in coordinating the LiveWell Committee and administering the LiveWell wellbeing program, which promotes employees’ physical, emotional, financial, and social wellbeing. Minimum Qualifications Experience: 3+ years supporting an HR function, focusing on Benefits, Leaves & Disability, or a closely related area. Education: Bachelor’s Degree. Analytical Thinker: Ability to identify programmatic trends, cost efficiencies, and system errors. Master Communicator: Skill to pivot between empathetic employee advocacy and high‑level executive presentations. Results‑Oriented: Proven drive to own complex, cross‑functional projects and deliver outstanding results. What will Set You Apart: State leave legislation experience, payroll partnership and reconciliation, HRIS/file feed background. Compensation Base Salary Range: $89,800 – $112,200. Bonus: Eligible for a performance‑based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents. Compensation will take internal equity into account and may vary based on geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Benefits Coverage for employees (and eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and savings for the future. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of employees and their families. Wellbeing: Events, resources, and learning opportunities that support physical, social, emotional, and financial well‑being for employees and their families. Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training Emotional – Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs Financial – 401(k), Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability Location Chicago/Aon Center. Equal Opportunity Employer Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – underrepresented ethnic minority groups, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected classes. Reasonable accommodation for protected individuals may be requested via View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kraft Heinz