HR Compliance & Leave Specialist

Bringing Home the Dough

The HR Compliance & Leave Specialist supports the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) in the execution and administration of key employee compliance programs, with primary responsibility for workers’ compensation coordination and internal administrative tracking of leave and accommodation processes. This role serves as a day-to-day process owner and internal point of coordination, ensuring timely documentation, accurate tracking, and consistent application of established policies and procedures.

The position partners closely with the HRBP, operations leaders, safety, and third-party administrators to support compliance, mitigate risk, and promote consistent and fair treatment of employees. 

Rising to the Challenge: Position Responsibilities

Leave Administration

• Serve as the primary internal contact for the Company’s third‑party workers’ compensation claims management provider.


• Administer FMLA, state leave programs, and Company leave policies in accordance with federal and state regulations and internal procedures.


• Manage all notices, certifications, documentation retrieval, deadlines, and return‑to‑work processes.


• Oversee and track all open claims, medical appointments, restrictions, and return‑to‑work milestones to ensure timely case progression.


• Design and socialize legally compliant leave processes, training managers and employees on their processes and responsibilities. 


• Coordinate modified duty and light‑duty assignments in partnership with operations leadership and HR Business Partners (HRBPs).


• Identify and escalate high‑risk claims, legal concerns, trends, or compliance risks to HRBP, Safety, or HR leadership as appropriate.

General HR Support

• Promote and reinforce Flowers Foods’ culture, values, and standards of professionalism. 


• Supports payroll administration by ensuring timely and accurate submission of HR data, employee status changes, and leave-related updates that impact pay. May serve as payroll backup as needed.


• Maintain HR files, documents, and systems consistent with Company policy and confidentiality requirements.


• Monitor HR data and prepare reports, summaries, or dashboards for HRBP leadership,


• Comply with all Company policies and regulatory guidelines, including EEO, Harassment Prevention, Affirmative Action, Safety, and Sarbanes‑Oxley requirements.


• Proactively pursue professional development to maintain current HR knowledge and build subject-matter expertise.


• Perform additional duties as assigned that contribute to the effectiveness of the HR function.

Knead to Know: Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ progressive human resources experience in HR Operations, leave or compliance-focused roles.


• Experience in CA leave and workers’ compensation administration or HR process coordination strongly preferred.


• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, OSHA, EEO, and relevant CA-state leave of absence regulations


• Demonstrated ability to work with autonomy and manage confidential and sensitive information professionally.

Additional Ingredients: Essential Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or related field preferred.  Associates degree required.