Senior Benefits Analyst – Leaves & Time Away

Role Overview

• Supports the administration, governance, and operational execution of Nordstrom’s Time Away and Leave of Absence programs, within applicable legal and regulatory frameworks
• Serves as a trusted advisor to HRBPs, leaders, and internal partners by providing guidance on program interpretation, operational processes, and complex scenarios
• Supports and manages workstreams for leave and time away modernization initiatives, including policy updates, process improvements, system enhancements, and vendor changes
• Partners cross‑functionally with Benefits, HR Business Partners, HR Operations, Legal, Payroll, Technology, and vendors to deliver aligned outcomes
• Participates as an active contributor in a cross‑functional strategy working group, supporting strategy development through data analysis, benchmarking, and operational insights
• Supports policy governance by drafting, updating, and maintaining time away and leave‑related policies, job aids, and employee‑facing materials
• Interprets and applies laws such as FMLA, USERRA, ADA, and state paid leave requirements to support compliant and accurate program execution
• Conducts analysis on utilization, eligibility, duration, timely filing, and employee impact to inform leadership discussions and decision‑making
• Supports vendor coordination and oversight, including requirements definition, process alignment, reporting, and issue resolution
• Contributes to the development of training materials, education, and communications to improve leader and employee understanding of programs
• Identifies opportunities to streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and improve the employee and manager experience
• Serves as a subject matter expert and point of escalation for complex questions or issues involving vendors, HRBPs, Legal, or the Employee Contact Center
• Supports the maintenance of program documentation to ensure operational practices accurately reflect plan rules and approved policies

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, HR operations, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience supporting Leave of Absence and/or Time Away programs
• Experience contributing to strategy development, program design, or enterprise initiatives through cross‑functional working groups
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local leave laws (FMLA, USERRA, ADA, state paid leave programs)
• General understanding of ERISA, HIPAA, and IRS/DOL requirements impacting employee benefit plans
• Experience partnering with third‑party leave and disability administrators
• Demonstrated ability to support and drive complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders and dependencies
• Strong analytical skills, including experience interpreting data and creating clear, effective presentations
• Experience working with Workday preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and execute effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience influencing and presenting to senior leaders
• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive employee information
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Benefits or HR certification preferred (CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP)

Benefits

• Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources