Leave & Benefits Specialist

What you'll bring to the team

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Leave & Benefits Specialist to support our HR team in the administration of employee leave programs and North America benefits. This role will be responsible for managing leave coordination, employee communications, recordkeeping, benefits invoicing, and general benefits administration. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of federal and state leave laws, health insurance practices, and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A commitment to providing compassionate and efficient support to employees during their leave or benefits-related situations is essential to success in this role.

Leave Administration Support:

• Support the coordination and monitoring of employee leaves of absence and workplace accommodation requests, including tracking approvals, denials, and return-to-work plans.
• Provide administrative assistance for all leave programs, including FMLA, state-specific leave laws, and internal leave policies.
• Prepare and distribute regular updates and monthly reports on employee leave status to HR Business Partners and managers.
• Deliver weekly leave status reports to Payroll to ensure accurate processing.
• Maintain and update leave of absence records in HR systems, including People Portal and UKG

Employee Communication:

• Act as a primary point of contact for employee leave-related inquiries via email, dedicated Leave phone line, or ticketing system.
• Assist in communicating leave policies, eligibility criteria, and procedural requirements to both employees and managers.
• Provide clear, timely responses to employee questions and ensure appropriate follow-up when necessary.
• Serve as a liaison between employees and their assigned Lincoln case manager or specialist to support a smooth leave process and resolve issues promptly.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve and streamline leave administration workflows, documentation practices, and benefits invoicing procedures.
• Support the development and implementation of new or updated leave-related policies and processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (HR, Payroll, Benefits, Legal) to align and enhance leave-related practices.
• Monitor and analyze recurring issues or trends to recommend system enhancements or procedural changes.
• Participate in audits or internal reviews to ensure compliance and process accuracy.

Support for Benefits and Compensation Team:

• Collaborate with the Benefits and Compensation team to support day-to-day benefits administration and assist with ongoing projects and initiatives.
• Participate in cross-training to develop working knowledge of broader benefits and compensation functions.
• Serve as a backup for the Compensation Analyst as needed, supporting data entry, reporting, and compensation-related tasks.
• Assist with annual benefits open enrollment, compensation reviews, audits, and vendor coordination.
• Help maintain accurate records and documentation to ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

Keying Invoices:

• Accurately input and process invoices related to leave and benefits expenses.
• Ensure invoices are coded correctly and routed for timely payment.
• Maintain organized records of invoices and payments.

Qualifications & Experience

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 2–3 years of experience in leave administration, benefits, or a related HR support role.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, state-specific leave laws, and other applicable federal and local regulations.
• Familiarity with benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability plans.
• Experience working with HRIS systems (e.g., UKG, Workday, or similar platforms); experience with leave vendor platforms (e.g., Lincoln) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex policies in a clear, employee-friendly manner.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion and professionalism.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, with experience managing reports and tracking data.
• High level of customer service orientation and ability to provide empathetic support during employee leave situations.

Benefits

Join us in creating unforgettable moments, shaping cherished memories, and spreading joy and wonder to people all around the world. At Merlin, you won't just find a job – you'll find a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for fun and adventure. Together, we'll continue to make magic happen every day.

Benefits of Merlin Entertainments

• Excellent health care options (medical, dental, and vision that encourage preventative care).
• Outstanding Paid Time Off (PTO) that allows for adventure, rest, relaxation, or recuperation.
• Merlin Magic Pass for friends and family to enjoy the parks & attractions
• Recognition Programs and Rewards
• 401(k) program with company match
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Numerous learning and advancement opportunities

Pay Range