This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. This in-office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company.

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.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.

If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.