The Opportunity:The
Program Manager - Benefits manages U.S. absence and health management programs and serves as the strategic and operational owner of absence policy standards, operating models, system alignment, and vendor oversight. The position ensures compliance, consistency, scalability, and a positive associate experience
The role acts as the primary owner of U.S. leave and disability administration, including oversight of third-party administrators, and leads U.S. health management initiatives such as condition management, preventive health, and well-being programs. Working closely with Total Rewards, HR Solutions, HR Shared Services, Legal, Finance, HR Technology, and external vendors, the role supports effective policy execution, risk management, data integrity, and alignment with Avantor's Global Benefits Administration Governance Framework.
How you will thrive and create an impact - Act as TPA relationship owner, overseeing U.S. leave and disability operations, escalations, performance, and renewals.
- Identify and escalate alignment issues between policy intent, system configuration, payroll treatment, and employee communications.
- Manage U.S. health management and condition programs, aligned with medical and wellness strategy.
- Support communication strategy and execution for absence, leave, and health management programs, including guidance for associates, managers, and HR partners.
- Maintain process documentation, training materials, and knowledge content to support consistent administration and issue resolution.
- Partner with HR Shared Services, HR Technology, Payroll, and external vendors to resolve administration issues, support integrations, and improve operational effectiveness.
- Analyze key absence and health metrics and provide recommendations to support decision-making.
- Serve as a subject-matter resource for HR teams and escalate complex issues to leadership.
- Develop guidance, training, and knowledge content to support consistent execution.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
What we're looking for- Bachelor's degree required
- 5+ years of progressive experience in absence management, leave administration, disability, or health & welfare benefits.
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. leave programs (FMLA, ADA, STD/LTD, state leaves) and vendor-administered leave models.
- Experience managing enterprise vendors and complex stakeholder environments.
- Experience with Workday Leave and Time Off modules and HR case management tools (e.g., ServiceNow) highly preferred.
- Global or multi-country benefits experience, including statutory compliance and harmonization efforts.
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret absence and health data trends.
- Proven ability to operate at both strategic and executional levels in a transformation environment.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing competing priorities.
Disclaimer:The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
