Sr. Leave & Benefit Specialist

Sr. Leave & Benefits Specialist

ABOUT THE POSITION

Join Columbia Sportswear Company's Global Benefits & HR Compliance team and play a vital role in supporting employees through some of the most important moments of their careers and lives. This team manages a broad portfolio including benefits, wellbeing programs, leave administration, ADA accommodations, retirement programs, HR compliance, immigration, mobility, and global benefits initiatives. We're seeking a collaborative HR professional who enjoys solving problems, supporting employees, and helping teams operate efficiently in a dynamic environment.  This position is being hired as part of a planned succession and knowledge-transfer effort, creating an opportunity to learn from experienced team members while contributing immediately to key programs and initiatives.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Support leave of absence programs, including ADA accommodations.

• Partner closely with the Leave and ADA program owner to coordinate employee cases, ensure compliance, and deliver a positive employee experience.

• Support wellbeing initiatives, benefit administration activities, compliance projects, and other employee programs as needed.

• Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Legal, and external vendors to ensure effective program administration.

• Contribute to key projects, including benefits and leave vendor evaluations, RFP activities, annual enrollment planning, and process improvement initiatives.

• Play a key role in supporting employee wellbeing programs through program administration, vendor coordination, communications, reporting, and employee engagement initiatives.

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance employee support, and strengthen operational effectiveness across the team.

YOU ARE

• A collaborative team player who willingly jumps in wherever support is needed.

• Adaptable and comfortable managing changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

• Self-directed and confident working independently while knowing when to seek guidance or escalate concerns.

• Curious and eager to learn new programs, systems, and areas of HR expertise.

• Passionate about supporting employee wellbeing and delivering exceptional employee experiences.

YOU HAVE

• 5+ years of experience administering leave of absence and accommodation programs, with experience supporting employer-sponsored health and welfare benefits.

• Experience with ADA accommodations and the interactive process.

• Experience partnering with HR teams, employees, managers, and external vendors to administer HR programs effectively.

• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience using HRIS platforms such as Workday and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

• A bachelor's degree, applicable certification, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

• Experience handling confidential employee information and navigating sensitive employee situations with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting employees in Oregon or administering Oregon leave programs.

• Experience working with leave or accommodation vendors and/or participating in leave program implementations or transitions.

• Experience supporting process improvement initiatives, RFPs, vendor management activities, or cross-functional HR projects.

• Experience coordinating employee wellbeing events, engagement activities, or wellness program initiatives.

Work Arrangement

• On-site Monday through Thursday with work-from-home flexibility on Fridays. Standard day schedule.

Why Join Us?

• This role offers exposure to a diverse portfolio of HR programs and a clear opportunity for professional growth. You'll work alongside experienced subject matter experts, contribute to high-impact projects, and help shape the employee experience across benefits, wellbeing, compliance, leave administration, retirement, immigration, mobility programs. The position provides broad HR exposure while allowing you to deepen your expertise in leave and accommodations.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.