Sr. Leave & Benefit Specialist

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.

Join Columbia Sportswear Companys 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. Were 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 bachelors 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.

• 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.

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

• This role offers exposure to a diverse portfolio of HR programs and a clear opportunity for professional growth. Youll 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 positions 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. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process please notify your recruiter.

At Columbia Sportswear Company were 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 familys 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 with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.