Leave Administration Manager

Job description

Location: 2727 N Central, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 United States of America To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation process, candidates are expected to complete all interviews and assessments independently and without the use of artificial intelligence tools (including AI-generated responses, prompts, or real-time assistance). Use of AI throughout the application and recruiting process may result in removal from consideration. Our goal is to get to know your authentic experiences, communication style, and problem-solving approach. This position is not eligible for employer sponsorship. This is a full-time, salaried position based on-site at U-Haul's Midtown Campus Tower in Phoenix, Arizona. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday; however, flexibility in scheduling, including evenings and weekends, is required to support business operations, Company initiatives, and Team Member needs. Position Overview: Reporting directly to the Benefits & Leave Director, the Manager, Leave Administration leads the Company's leave administration program, ensuring Team Members receive timely, compassionate, and compliant support throughout every leave experience. This role partners across the Company to administer leave programs consistently while helping Team Members and leaders navigate some of the most challenging moments of employment. Success in this role requires sound judgment, empathy, and strong leadership. The Manager, Leave Administration understands the importance of regulations while recognizing every leave represents a Team Member facing a significant life event. This leader develops people, applies regulations thoughtfully, communicates with compassion, and works to find practical solutions that support Team Members, protect the Company, and build trust. Essential Duties, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities: Serve as the Company's leave administration leader, aligning leave priorities with HR's mission and Company goals. Develop, coach, and lead the Leave Administration Team by building technical expertise, promoting accountability, and delivering accurate, timely, and dependable service. Oversee the administration of all Company leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), ADA accommodations, personal leaves, military leave, disability coordination, state and provincial leave programs, and other protected or Company-sponsored leaves. Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and provincial leave requirements by monitoring legislative changes and updating policies and processes. Establish and maintain leave policies, procedures, communications, and operational standards that promote consistent administration across the Company. Review complex leave situations, provide guidance on escalated cases, and partner across HR, Legal, Payroll, Risk Management, and business leadership to resolve issues. Partner with Risk Management to coordinate work-related injury leaves and support a seamless Team Member experience. Monitor leave activity, service levels, and operational performance while identifying opportunities to simplify administration and better support Team Members. Use Workday and other technology to simplify administration, strengthen reporting, and improve service. Ensure accurate documentation, leave coding, payroll coordination, and the confidentiality of Team Member information. Develop reports and dashboards to help leaders understand leave trends and make informed decisions. Manage vendor relationships supporting leave administration and disability programs while ensuring service expectations are achieved. Demonstrate the HR Department's leadership principles through accountability, unity of direction, and a SUP (Supportive, Upbeat, and Positive) approach. Skills, Requirements & Qualifications: Required: 8+ years of progressive Human Resources experience administering leave of absence programs, disability programs, ADA accommodations, and/or related employee benefits. 5+ years of leadership experience developing teams and leading HR operations or employee service functions. Demonstrated expertise administering FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state leave laws, disability programs, and other leave-related regulations. Strong understanding of federal, state, local, and provincial employment requirements affecting leave administration. Experience interpreting regulations and applying sound judgment to complex Team Member situations. Experience using HRIS platforms, preferably Workday, to administer leave programs, reporting, and case management. Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across the organization. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, exercise sound judgment, and navigate complex leave situations. High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential information. Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field. Professional certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CLMS, or related HR certifications. Experience administering leave programs within a large multi-state employer. Experience implementing or administering leave management systems. Experience working with disability carriers, third-party administrators, and leave vendors. Experience with Workday, leave management systems, reporting, and automation. What Success Looks Like The successful candidate will: Champion a people-first culture by providing compassionate, consistent, and compliant support throughout every leave experience. Develop and lead the Leave Administration Team through coaching, accountability, and empowerment. Build trusted partnerships by listening first, understanding concerns, and providing thoughtful guidance to Team Members, leaders, and HR partners. Balance compassion with compliance by applying regulations thoughtfully while recognizing the individual circumstances behind every leave request. Earn the trust of Team Members and leaders through timely communication, dependable follow-through, and sound judgment. Use data and reporting to identify trends, strengthen leave administration, and support informed decisions. Take ownership, follow through on commitments, and hold yourself and others accountable. Create an environment where Team Members and leaders feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the leave process. U-Haul Offers: Medical insurance Prescription drug plans Dental & Vision plan with hearing care discounts Onsite medical clinic for team members and eligible family members New indoor fitness gym (Midtown Phoenix campus) Get Fit Gym Reimbursement Program Registered Dietitian Program WeightWatchers® CVS Virtual Care U‑Haul Kids Program 24‑Hour Nurse Line Wellness Program (HealthierYou initiatives & challenges) Mindset App Reimbursement Pet Insurance & Wellness plans Career stability Opportunities for advancement Valuable on‑the‑job training Tuition Reimbursement Program Free online courses for personal and professional development at U‑Haul University® 401(k) Savings Plan Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Company‑paid life insurance Voluntary life insurance options Short-Term and Long‑Term Disability Critical Illness, Accident & Hospital Indemnity plans Business & business travel insurance MetLaw Legal Program MetLife Auto & Home Insurance LifeLock Identity Theft Protection Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar® Financial Wellness Program U‑Haul Federal Credit Union Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time YouMatter Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Discounts on cell phone plans, hotels, computers, vehicles & more Community involvement & volunteer opportunities U‑Haul Mothers Program (Paid maternity leave) #LI-MM1 U-Haul Holding Company, and its family of companies including U-Haul International, Inc. (“U-Haul”), continually strives to create a culture of health and wellness. Consistent with applicable state law, U-Haul will not hire or re-hire individuals who use nicotine products. The states in which U-Haul will decline to hire nicotine users are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. U-Haul has observed this hiring practice since February 1, 2020 as part of our commitment to a healthy work environment for our team. U-Haul is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, provincial, state or local law. Individual accommodations are available on requests for applicants taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Information obtained during this process will only be shared on a need to know basis.