Wakefern Food Corp.
Job Description
About Wakefern Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Gourmet Garage®, Fairway Market®, Di Bruno Bros. ®, and Morton Williams® banners. Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices. Your contribution The Leave Administrator is responsible for enterprise-level oversight and administration of statutory and company leave programs in a complex, multi-state environment that includes both union and non-union employee populations. This role serves as a subject-matter expert and advisor on leave policy interpretation, regulatory compliance, and the interaction of federal, state, and local leave laws with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). The position exercises independent judgment on matters of significance, including complex eligibility determinations, policy application in non-standard scenarios, risk assessment, and compliance strategy. The role partners closely with HR Business Partners, Labor Relations, Payroll, Legal, and Store Leadership to ensure consistent application of leave programs and mitigate compliance risk. This temporary role which will be a 3 - 6 month assignment. The location is in Edison, NJ. What you’ll do Provide expert interpretation and application of federal, state, and local leave laws. Serve as a key advisor to HR, Labor Relations, Payroll, and management on leave-related compliance and risk. Resolve complex, escalated leave cases requiring advanced analysis and judgment. • Assess compliance risk and recommend process or policy enhancements. Support audits and represent the organization in regulatory inquiries. Exercise discretion in interpreting policies and determining appropriate actions. • Provide consultative guidance to HRBPs, Payroll, and management. Participate in the development and refinement of leave administration standards. • Oversee configuration and use of leave administration systems (AbsenceSoft, Dayforce, PeopleSoft). • Validate leave determinations and system controls. Partner with Payroll and HRIS on complex pay and entitlement issues. Act as a primary escalation point for complex leave matters. Represent the organization in discussions requiring defense of leave determinations. What we’re looking for Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience. 3–5 years of progressive multi-state leave administration experience. Advanced knowledge of federal and state leave laws. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment. Experience as a subject-matter expert for leave programs. Proficiency with AbsenceSoft, Dayforce, and PeopleSoft. Experience supporting large or unionized organizations. Ability to work onsite for four days per week onsite with the option on working the fifth day from home. How you’ll succeed Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication. Build Relationships: Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships. Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work. Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology. Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth. Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals. How you’ll work Hybrid schedule includes 4 days working in the office at Edison, NJ location with the flexibility of working the fifth day from home Prolonged periods of time sitting in front of a computer Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $1400 - $1600. Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations. Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional devel