Leave Program Manager

Patterson isn't just a place to work, it's a partner that cares about your success. One of the distinguishing marks of our company is the talented people who embrace the people-first, always advancing, and results-driven culture. Professional growth abounds in this motivating environment. We value the diverse talents and experiences our employees bring to Patterson and believe that they build a stronger and successful organization. The Leave Program Manager is accountable for the design, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of leave of absence, disability, paid leave, accommodation, and return-to-work programs while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role serves as the organization's subject matter expert for leave and accommodation programs, providing guidance on complex cases, overseeing third-party administrators, and driving enterprise-wide process enhancements. This role leads cross-functional initiatives that improve program effectiveness, employee experience, compliance, and operational outcomes. Essential Functions Accountable for the design, implementation, administration, and ongoing evaluation of leave of absence, disability, paid leave, accommodation, and return-to-work programs to ensure regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and a positive employee experience Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for protected leave, disability, accommodation, and return-to-work programs, providing consultation and direction on highly complex cases, escalated issues, and policy interpretation Lead the oversight and vendor management of third-party administrators, establishing service expectations, resolving escalated issues, monitoring compliance, and driving continuous improvements in service delivery and program outcomes Develop, maintain, and update leave-related policies, procedures, and program documentation, ensuring alignment with changing federal, state, and local laws and organizational objectives Partner with Human Resources, Legal, Payroll, Risk Management, Operations, and other stakeholders to implement compliant and effective leave and accommodation solutions that balance employee needs with business requirements Analyze program data, trends, regulatory developments, and operational metrics to identify risks, recommend strategic improvements, and implement solutions that enhance compliance, employee support, and organizational effectiveness Direct the development and administration of return-to-work and workplace accommodation programs, promoting timely and sustainable employee reintegration while reducing lost work time and supporting workforce productivity Provide guidance, coaching, and technical expertise to team members, managers, and HR partners regarding leave administration processes, regulatory requirements, and best practices Comply with Company and department policies and standards; performs other duties as assigned Minimum Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent education and/or experience 7 years of progressive experience in leave of absence, disability, accommodation administration, or related benefits experience and 5 years of experience administering multi-state short-term disability, long-term disability, and state paid leave programs and Experience working with an outsourced leave management program or third-party administrator supporting leave and accommodation requests Preferred Requirements Experience with HRIS, leave management, and case management systems Skills and Abilities Proven experience interpreting and applying federal and state leave, disability, and accommodation regulations, including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, state paid leave programs, and related compliance requirements Ability to interpret complex regulations, assess risk, and make sound decisions to resolve sensitive employee situations Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex policies and requirements to diverse audiences both internally and externally Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and influence outcomes across multiple functions Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop data-driven recommendations Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills with a focus on achieving timely and practical solutions Demonstrated experience leading complex projects, managing competing priorities, and executing initiatives; experience leading program improvements, implementations or vendor transitions Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information Preferred Licenses and Certifications Professional certification in Human Resources, Benefits, Disability Management, or Leave Administration (e.g., SHRM, HRCI, CLMS, CDMS) Preferred Physical and Cognitive Demands Communicate/Hearing Frequently Communicate/Talking Frequently Learn New Tasks or Concepts Frequently Make Timely Decisions in the Context of a Workflow Frequently Complete Tasks Independently Constantly Maintain Focus Constantly Remember Processes & Procedures Constantly Stationary Position (Seated) Constantly Vision Constantly Hand/Eye Coordination Occasionally Bend Rarely Complete Tasks in a Noisy Environment Rarely Feeling/Grasping/Handling Rarely Move/Traverse Rarely Repetitive Motions Rarely Working Environment Hazards Occasionally Environmental Conditions Office: This position primarily operates in a professional office environment in which team members occupy desks in assigned areas or at meeting/collaboration spaces within the building. The building's primary work areas consist of desks, chairs, computers, and other office equipment and devices for professional services. Remote: This position primarily completes work from a remote setting, most commonly, a home office. T