Leaves & HR Compliance Manager
Role Summary
Please note that we do not offer visa sponsorship for this position.
The Manager, Leaves & HR Compliance owns the enterprise leave of absence, workplace accommodation, and HR compliance programs, establishing operational standards, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives that support business objectives at National Life.
This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment and benefits laws, while delivering a consistent, compliant, and compassionate associate experience. The role also provides oversight of HR policy governance and regulatory readiness.
Reporting to the Head of Benefits, this position partners closely with HR, payroll, legal, and business leaders to align leave and accommodation practices with National Life’s values, operational goals, and employee experience priorities. In addition, this role provides broader HR compliance oversight to support adherence to employment laws/regulations, internal policies, and audit readiness.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leave & Accommodation Programs
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of leave of absence and accommodation programs, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, USERRA, state leave programs, parental leave, and company-sponsored leaves
Establish and maintain scalable processes that balance compliance, efficiency, and employee experience
Oversee the end-to-end administration of leave and accommodation cases, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency
Guide complex and escalated cases, including ADA accommodations and intermittent leave scenarios, serving as escalation point
Monitor regulatory changes and proactively update policies, procedures, and practices
Define service level expectations and operational metrics.
Monitor operational performance and implement process improvements.
HR Compliance
Ensure compliance with all applicable employment regulations and internal policies
Monitor regulatory changes and proactively recommend updates to policies, practices, and procedures
Partner with legal and HR leadership to interpret laws and implement compliant, practical solutions
Payroll & Benefits Coordination
Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate pay, deductions, and benefit continuation during leave events
Validate payroll impacts related to benefits, leave, and accommodations
Collaborate with Benefits and vendors to ensure seamless administration and communication
Benefits Compliance & Regulatory Support
Support compliance activities related to health and welfare benefit plans in partnership with Benefits, legal, and external vendors
Coordinate and support preparation and timely filing of Form 5500 and associated schedules for applicable benefit plans
Support nondiscrimination testing (e.g., Section 125, 105(h), 410(b), 410(k)(3), 401(m)(2), 416, and other applicable testing) to ensure plan compliance and equity
Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable benefits regulations
Support delivery of required associate notices and audit documentation
Policy Governance & Handbook Management
Maintenance and governance of HR policies and procedures, including the Associate Handbook
Ensure policies are updated in response to regulatory changes and aligned with company practices
Manage communication of policy updates in partnership with Communications
Data, Reporting & Insights
Establish key performance indicators for leave administration and compliance.
Analyze trends and implement operational improvements based on data.
Develop and maintain reporting on compliance activities
Partner with HR analytics teams to align reporting with broader workforce insights
Leadership & Development
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-centric service
Set performance standards and ensure delivery of high-quality, timely outcomes
Support HR Business Partners and business leaders on compliance, policy, and associate-related matters
Cross-Functional Partnership
Partner with HR Business Partners, managers, and associates to provide guidance on leave, accommodations, and compliance processes
Collaborate with legal, compensation, talent, IT, and external vendors to ensure aligned solutions
Serve as a trusted advisor on complex associate leave/accommodation situations
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
8-10 years of experience in leave of absence, accommodations, HR compliance, and/or benefits administration
Experience leading compliance programs required
Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and state/local leave laws
Understanding of employment law and HR compliance requirements across multiple states
Working knowledge of benefits compliance (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Project management and process improvement capabilities
Proficiency with HRIS systems, leave management platforms, and Microsoft Office tools
Preferred Qualifications
PHR/SPHR or similar certification preferred, such as CEBS, CBP, or CLMS
Deep knowledge of FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and state/local leave laws
Experience in insurance or financial services industry
Strong understanding of employment law and HR compliance requirements across multiple states
Strong project management and process improvement capabilities
AI Proficiency Expectations
At National Life Group, we view AI as an enabler of human potential. We use AI to help us work smarter, serve more clients, and keep our promises, while remaining a relationship-driven business where our people are our greatest strength.
All applicants are expected to:
Leverage approved AI tools, where appropriate, to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of their work.
Stay curious and open to new AI-enabled ways of working.
Exercise sound judgment by reviewing and validating AI-generated content.
Maintain accountability for the accuracy, quality, fairness, and integrity of work products by adhering to National Life's AI guiding principles.
Use AI responsibly and in accordance with company policies related to confidentiality, data privacy, security, compliance, retention, and intellectual property.
Core Competencies
Cultivates Innovation – Fosters innovation by taking calculated risks and working cooperatively with others to produce innovative solutions.
Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments and performance goals.
Directs Work – Provides direction, delegates when appropriate, and removes obstacles to achieve results.
Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence – Recognizes, understands, and manages emotions and their impact on others.
Exhibits Critical and Creative Thinking – Applies logic and reasoning to make sound decisions while developing innovative solutions to solve complex problems.
Leads Change – Facilitates change and transition at the individual and team level and aligns compensation initiatives with organizational evolution.
Inspires Others – Motivates and influences others by creating an environment where teams can do their best work and partnering across the organization to achieve results.
Benefits
Your benefits start day one and are flexible and customizable to your and your family’s specific needs. Check out the BENEFITS of a Career at National Life!
Base Pay Range. The base pay range for this position is the range National Life reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors, including: prior experience and job-related knowledge; education, training and certificates; current business needs; and market factors. The final salary or hourly wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances.
Additional Compensation and Benefits. The total compensation package for this position may also include a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in National Life’s discretionary annual incentive programs, subject to the rules governing such programs. If hired, the employee will be in an "at-will position" and National Life reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
National Life is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis and the role remains open until filled.
Salary Pay Range
$95,625—$140,250 USD