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Director - Leave of Absence - US & Canada

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  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Consulting
    People, HR & Administration
  • New York

Requirements

  • 8+ years of proven experience in leading disability, leaves, and accommodation programs with a strong background in disability case management and third-party relationship management.
  • In-depth knowledge of US ADA, federal, state and local as well as Canadian provincial, ACA and AODA laws and regulations related to disability, leaves, and accommodations.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify trends and develop improvement plans.
  • Excellent communication and social skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.
  • Shown experience in coaching and training staff, HR and front-line leaders on process and best practices.
  • Demonstrates a good balance of leadership and direction and has strong skills in leading diverse teams.
  • Establishes clear vision, opportunities and, advocates for team members.
  • Leads by example and steps in to support team.
  • Ability to handle partner concerns and resolve issues in a timely and effective manner.
  • Experience in vendor management and contract negotiations.
  • Proficiency in using HR information systems and other relevant software.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle critical information with discretion.
  • Work in a collaborative team environment.
  • Strong presentation skills.
  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, disability management, occupational health or equivalent.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and encourage the U.S. and Canada LOA teams, driving strategic vision and operational excellence.
  • Lead all aspects of both the US and Canada disability plan, and serve as a subject matter expert on company leave of absence policies, legislative leaves, and Canada accommodation programs within the organization.
  • Program Design and Implementation: Develop and implement strategic plans for disability, leaves, and accommodation programs. Evaluate existing programs and identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop and implement long term strategies for both the US and Canadian disability landscape by adhering to federal, state and legislative regulations along with company’s standalone policies such as Salary Continuation, Parental Leave, etc.
  • Working directly with the Colleague Total Rewards and Well-being team to design, implement, complete, and evaluate clinical programs for the health plan and broad-based wellness programs.
  • Third-party relationship management for leave administrators.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners on new and existing LOA and Salary Continuation policies and US Workers Compensation.
  • Create a streamlined accommodation process for colleagues and leaders in support of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
  • Maintain current knowledge of industry best practices, legislative changes, and periodic market evaluations, to ensure programs are effective and compliant.
  • Provide consultation to create lifecycle process for new and updated policies and procedure guide/SOP for LOA administration.
  • Lead ongoing training and education to leaders and other key partners; ensure high levels of collaboration and awareness of Company policies and processes.

FAQs

What is the role of the Director - Leave of Absence for the US and Canada?

The Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and continuous improvement of the disability and leave of absence programs and experience for colleagues in the US and Canada, as part of the Global Well-being and Benefits team.

What qualifications are required for this position?

The position requires 8+ years of experience in leading disability, leaves, and accommodation programs, in-depth knowledge of US and Canadian laws related to disability and leaves, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.

Are there training opportunities available for the team?

Yes, the Director will lead ongoing training and education for leaders and key partners to ensure high levels of collaboration and awareness of company policies and processes.

What kind of benefits does American Express offer?

American Express offers competitive base salaries, bonus incentives, comprehensive insurance benefits, a retirement savings plan with a company match, paid parental leave, and free access to wellness centers, among other benefits.

Is this position open to applicants outside of the US and Canada?

The job specifically focuses on responsibilities related to colleagues in the US and Canada, and employment eligibility to work in the U.S. is required.

Will the Director be involved in vendor management?

Yes, the Director will have experience in vendor management and contract negotiations, particularly with leave administrators.

How does American Express prioritize colleague well-being?

American Express prioritizes colleague well-being through holistic programs that address physical, financial, and mental health, including wellness centers, counseling support, and career development opportunities.

What does the hiring process typically look like for this position?

The hiring process typically involves multiple interviews where candidates will be evaluated on their relevant experience, leadership abilities, and knowledge of disability and leave of absence programs.

Is prior knowledge of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) necessary?

Yes, an understanding of both ACA and AODA laws and regulations is integral to creating a streamlined accommodation process for colleagues.

Is a bachelor's degree required for this role?

Yes, a bachelor's degree in human resources, disability management, occupational health, or a related field is required for this role.

Finance
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1850
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

At American Express, we know that with the right backing, people and businesses have the power to progress in incredible ways. Whether we’re supporting our customers’ financial confidence to move ahead, taking commerce to new heights, or encouraging people to explore the world, our colleagues are constantly striving to uphold our powerful backing promise to our customers and each other every day. These beliefs have been our North Star for 170 years as our business transformed – from helping evacuate travelers during World Wars, to ensuring the safety of our customers’ funds during the Great Depression in the U.S., to creating the Shop Small® movement to help small businesses recover from the Financial Crisis, to providing aid to communities impacted by many natural disasters and so much more. For generations, the key to our success has been the determination and resilience of our American Express colleagues. Now, as a globally integrated payments company, we work together to provide customers with access to products, insights and world-class experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Join us and let’s lead the way together.

Culture & Values

  • We Back Our Customers

    Relationships are at the heart of our business. We strive to be essential to our customers by delivering exceptional products, services and experiences every day – and promise to have their backs in everything we do.

  • We Make It Great

    We deliver an unparalleled standard of excellence in everything we do, staying focused on the biggest opportunities to be meaningful to our customers. From our innovative products to our world-class customer service, our customers expect the best—and our teams are proud to deliver it.

  • We Do What’s Right

    Customers choose us because they trust our brand and people. We earn that trust by ensuring everything we do is reliable, consistent, and with the highest level of integrity.

  • We Respect People

    We trust and respect one another for who we are and what we contribute. We are accountable to one another and empower every voice through open, courageous dialogue so others feel heard.

  • We Embrace Diversity

    We see diversity of people and experiences as fuel for the creativity and innovation we need to be and deliver our best.

  • We Stand for Inclusion

    We all have biases. However, we do not tolerate bias that excludes or minimizes anyone – all people belong. We’re committed to ensuring that we have a welcoming and inclusive culture where everyone’s voice matters and where people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, religions, disabilities and viewpoints can thrive.

  • We Win As a Team

    We view each other as colleagues—part of the same team, striving to deliver the brand promise to our customers and each other every day. Individual performance is essential and valued, but never at the expense of the team.

  • We Support Our Communities

    We respect our communities and are committed to working together so they can thrive and make a meaningful difference in the world.

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