Senior HR Specialist - Benefits & Leave Administration

Job Description

Job DescriptionSenior HR Specialist - Benefits & Leave Administration
Position Overview

Location: Acton, MA (On-site)
Experience Level: Mid-Level (5-8 years required)
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $71,000 - $80,000 (DOE)
Positions Available: 1

Note: This position does not offer relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.

About the Role

We’re seeking a detail-oriented Senior HR Specialist to join a manufacturing company in Acton. This critical role combines benefits administration expertise with comprehensive leave management, ensuring employees receive exceptional support while maintaining full compliance with federal and state regulations.

As the primary benefits and leave administrator, you’ll serve as the trusted resource for all employee inquiries, manage vendor relationships, and ensure accuracy across all HR systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities
Benefits Administration

· Administer all employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and wellness initiatives

· Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related questions, issue resolution, and vendor communication

· Conduct new hire benefits onboarding, including UKG enrollment support

· Support benefits audits, plan renewals, and annual open enrollment activities

· Ensure compliance with federal, state, and plan-level requirements related to benefits

Leave Management

· Manage the full leave administration process including:

o FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)

o PFML (Paid Family and Medical Leave)

o ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations)

o STD/LTD (Short-Term and Long-Term Disability)

o Workers’ compensation coordination

· Track leave requests, approvals, and return-to-work processes

· Ensure compliance with all federal and state leave regulations

· Coordinate with managers and employees throughout the leave lifecycle

Data Management & Reporting

· Maintain accurate HRIS data and benefit/leave records in UKG system

· Generate and analyze benefits and leave-related reports

· Ensure data integrity across all HR systems and documentation

· Support audit preparation and compliance documentation

Additional Support

· Assist with training program administration as needed

· Maintain training records and support scheduling coordination

RequirementsRequired Qualifications
Experience & Education

· 5-8 years of HR experience with focus on benefits and/or leave administration

· High school diploma or equivalent required

· Experience in manufacturing or industrial environment preferred

Technical Skills

· Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs (health, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness)

· Comprehensive understanding of leave laws and regulations (FMLA, PFML, ADA, STD/LTD, workers’ compensation)

· Experience with HRIS systems, preferably UKG

· Proficiency in benefits enrollment platforms and vendor portals

· Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Core Competencies

· Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy

· Strong understanding of federal and state compliance requirements

· Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex benefits information clearly

· Customer service orientation with empathy and professionalism

· Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

· Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities

· Problem-solving abilities and sound judgment

· Vendor management and relationship-building skills

BenefitsComprehensive Benefits Package
Insurance & Health

· Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

· Company-paid Long-Term Disability Insurance

· Company-paid Life Insurance

· FSA (Flexible Spending Account) available

· Enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· On-site gym and wellness program

Retirement & Financial

· 401(k) with company match

· Annual Profit Sharing

· Annual performance bonus

Time Off

· Vacation time

· Sick/Personal time

· Bereavement leave

· 11 Paid holidays

Professional Development

· Tuition reimbursement program

· 529 college savings options

Work Environment

· On-site position in Acton manufacturing facility

· Standard business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

· Collaborative HR team environment

· Direct interaction with employees at all levels

· Professional office setting within manufacturing environment

What Makes This Role Unique

This position offers the opportunity to be the go-to expert for benefits and leave administration, directly impacting employee satisfaction and well-being. You’ll work in a stable manufacturing environment with a comprehensive benefits package, including profit sharing and annual bonuses.

The role provides autonomy in managing benefits and leave programs while being part of a supportive HR team. With on-site amenities like a gym and wellness program, plus strong professional development support, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional looking for stability and growth.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.