Benefits & Leave of Absence Manager

Benefits & Leave of Absence Manager
Location: Columbia, MD
Salary: $115,000 - $120,000 per year

Who are we?

Established in 1975, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is one of the largest suppliers of analytical instrumentation, physical testing, and environmental monitoring systems in the world. Ground-breaking scientific research, manufacturing ideas and results continue to propel Shimazu's outstanding reputation and "Excellence in Science." People dedicated to our mission have the largest impact on Shimadzu's continued growth and success. Would YOU like to join a diverse team of professionals working together with researchers, scientists and manufacturers to help better lives worldwide?

What can Shimadzu offer YOU?

• Our Culture - A work environment that values diversity, inclusion & belonging
• Competitive Compensation - Day 1 Benefits & Competitive Salary
• Retirement Benefits - Matching 401K & Profit-Sharing Program
• Professional Growth - Clear pathways for Career, Leadership and Personal Development
• Health Benefits - Flexible Spending/Health Savings Accounts
• Work-Life Balance - Generous & Front-Loaded Paid Time Off Plan
• Education - Tuition Assistance Program for both graduate and undergraduate levels
• Insurance Perks - Pet Insurance, optional Identity theft, legal pre-paid and critical care buy-up insurance benefits, generous company paid life insurance & short-term disability programs
• Work Flexibility - Business casual Dress Attire & casual (jeans) Friday!
• Employee Engagement - Employee Resource Groups to network, build a sense of community and enhance one's career and personal development

Position Summary:

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is seeking a Benefits & Leave of Absence Manager to lead the development, compliance, and execution of our company's benefits and leave programs. This role is instrumental in delivering an exceptional employee experience while ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations. You will manage two benefits team members, collaborate with internal stakeholders, and serve as the go-to expert for all health, wellness, leave, and retirement benefit matters across the organization.

JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Lead and manage all aspects of benefits administration, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and wellness plans
• Own and execute annual Open Enrollment, including system setup, employee communication, and vendor coordination
• Oversee and ensure compliance for all leave of absence programs, including FMLA, STD, LTD, and unpaid leave
• Maintain relationships with benefit vendors and brokers; support benefit plan design and renewal negotiations
• Ensure legal compliance through timely delivery of mandated notices and accurate plan documentation
• Administer and manage PR 401(k) plan, including audits, testing, and reporting
• Provide data-driven reporting and analysis to leadership on benefit trends and program effectiveness
• Supervise and mentor two team members; conduct performance reviews and support development
• Support corporate wellness initiatives and assist with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) activities
• Collaborate with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions and leave tracking

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field (or equivalent work experience)
• 3+ years direct experience in benefits management
• 4+ years broader HR generalist experience
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or CEBS) strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment and benefits laws, including COBRA, FMLA, ACA, ERISA
• Experience with HRIS systems (UKG/Ultipro preferred)
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and communicate with diverse teams
• Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Compensation & Benefits:

This full-time, exempt position comes with a comprehensive benefits package. In your first year, you will receive 10 paid vacation days, 8 paid personal days, 8 paid scheduled holidays and 3 paid floating holidays (Residents of California and Puerto Rico will receive state-mandated sick leave instead of personal days). After one year of employment, you will also be eligible for a generous short-term disability program with the company covering 100% of monthly premiums.

The starting salary range for this role is $115,000 to $120,000 annually, paid semi-monthly. Additional variable compensation may include a discretionary year-end bonus based on overall company performance.

For more details on benefits, please visit www.ssi.shimadzu.com/jobs.

Shimadzu is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Shimadzu via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position (and agency was requested to work the requisition) will be deemed the sole property of Shimadzu. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Shimadzu as a result of the referral or through other means.

EEO Statement:

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please click here.

Leader - Inspires teammates to follow them
Thought Provoking - Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
Innovative - Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Dedicated - Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Bachelors (required)

PHR (preferred)
SHRM-CP (preferred)

Skills