Job Summary
The Vice President of Absence Management Operations provides operational leadership and oversight for the organization’s absence management function. This role is responsible for executing enterprise-wide strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing operational performance, and aligning absence management programs with organizational goals and business needs. The VP serves as a key advisor to senior leadership and drives initiatives that balance employee experience, risk mitigation, and cost effectiveness.
Primary Responsibilities
- Execute the enterprise strategy for absence management operations, including FMLA, ADA, workers’ compensation, and related leave programs.
- Provide oversight for multi-level leadership teams, ensuring operational excellence, accountability, and talent development.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local leave-related laws and regulations; proactively assess and mitigate organizational risk.
- Partner with executive leadership, HR, Legal, Finance, and Operations to align absence management strategy with broader business objectives.
- Oversee vendor and governance, including third-party administrators, consultants, and service providers.
- Drive continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and adoption of industry best practices.
- Analyze trends, metrics, and financial impacts to inform decision-making and long-term planning.
- Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation for absence management operations.
- Lead change management efforts related to policy updates, system implementations, and organizational transformation.
- Represent the organization as a subject matter expert in absence management at the executive level
- Embrace emerging technologies and AI-driven innovations to improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and continuously evolve absence management processes and partner experiences.
- Travel when necessary
- Perform other duties as assigned
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, master’s degree preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in absence management, HR operations or related function.
- Expert knowledge of FMLA, ADA, workers’ compensation, and related regulatory frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise broad independent judgment and influence organizational strategy.
- Demonstrated success executing complex, cross-functional initiatives in regulated, highly complex, and fast-paced environments
- Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, manage escalations, and deliver results under pressure
- Exceptional executive communication, governance, and stakeholder-management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Self-starter with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work autonomously
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities
Other Requirements
- Consistent and reliable high-speed internet and workspace free from distraction, disruption, or noise is required
- Ability to be present on camera during work-related trainings, meetings, and/or events
- Must be able to sit or stand at a desk for prolonged periods while working on a computer
Compensation and Benefits
- Full benefits package, including Paid Time Off (PTO), medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, robust EAP, wellness program, and much more
- The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $165,000 USD plus bonus. The base salary range represents the anticipated low end and high end of the range for this position. The actual compensation will be influenced by a wide range of factors including, but not limited to previous experience, education, pay market/geography, and scheduled hours.
