Workers Compensation & Leave Manager

Description

Izzio Artisan Bakery is America’s #1 Sourdough Artisan Bakery. We are spotlighting the innovation in our market, making us the fastest growing brand. At Izzio we are focused on providing our customers with great bread created using traditional methods and the best possible ingredients. Our people are a major part of our process and success. 

Position Summary

The Manager, Workers’ Compensation, Leave & Return-to-Work is responsible for overseeing the company’s workers’ compensation, leave of absence, workplace accommodation, and return-to-work programs across all facilities. This role focuses on reducing claim costs and duration, ensuring regulatory compliance, and facilitating safe and timely employee returns to work.

The Manager works closely with HR, Safety, Operations, Payroll, insurance carriers, medical providers, and legal counsel to effectively manage cases, minimize organizational risk, and improve processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Workers’ Compensation Management

• Oversee workers’ compensation claims from initial injury through resolution and closure.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers, adjusters, medical providers, and legal counsel to ensure timely claim progression.
• Monitor claim costs, reserves, lost-time cases, litigation, and high-risk claims.
• Conduct regular claim reviews and develop strategies to reduce claim duration and costs.
• Partner with Safety to identify injury trends, prevention opportunities, and areas of concern.
• Maintain accurate and confidential claim records.

Return-to-Work Program

• Manage and improve the company’s return-to-work and transitional-duty programs.
• Coordinate with Operations, Safety, HR, and medical providers to identify appropriate modified-duty assignments.
• Monitor employee restrictions, lost workdays, and return-to-work progress.
• Facilitate safe and timely employee returns to work while minimizing lost time.

Leave Administration & ADA Accommodations

• Oversee FMLA, state-mandated leave programs, medical leaves, parental leave, and other applicable leaves of absence.
• Ensure timely completion of required documentation, notices, and employee communications.
• Manage the ADA interactive process and coordinate reasonable workplace accommodations.
• Partner with HR, Payroll, and Operations to ensure accurate leave tracking, employee status, and benefits coordination.
• Escalate complex leave and accommodation cases to HR leadership or legal counsel as appropriate.

Compliance & Program Improvement

• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and processes related to workers’ compensation, leave, accommodations, and return-to-work.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
• Provide guidance and training to managers on injury reporting, employee restrictions, leave, and return-to-work procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve program efficiency and reduce organizational risk.

Reporting & Leadership

• Track and report key metrics, including claim frequency, costs, reserves, claim duration, lost workdays, return-to-work outcomes, and leave trends.
• Analyze data to identify trends and recommend cost-saving and injury-prevention initiatives.
• Collaborate with HR, Safety, Operations, and leadership to resolve complex cases and improve employee outcomes.
• Provide regular updates on significant claims, program performance, and potential risks.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in workers’ compensation, leave administration, disability management, HR, or a related field.
• Experience managing workers’ compensation claims and complex employee cases.
• Strong knowledge of workers’ compensation, FMLA, ADA, and return-to-work requirements.
• Experience working with insurance carriers, adjusters, medical providers, and legal counsel.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information and collaborate across departments.
•  Bilingual in English and Spanish. 

Preferred

• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or a high-volume hourly workforce.
• Experience supporting multiple facilities and developing return-to-work programs.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, ARM, CPDM, or CDMS.

Key Performance Expectations

• Reduce workers’ compensation claim costs, duration, and lost workdays.
• Increase successful return-to-work and transitional-duty placements.
• Improve claim reporting, follow-up, and timely resolution.
• Maintain compliant and consistent leave and accommodation processes.
• Strengthen collaboration between HR, Safety, and Operations.

Position information:

Reports to: Director of Human Resources 

Location: Louisville 

Compensation Range: $75,000 to $115,000

Closing Date: 11/25/2026

Compensation is based on the level of experience, other relevant experience, and requirements of the position. The range provided serves only as a guideline and does not automatically qualify all candidates (internal or external) for the high end of the range.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At izzio, we believe great work starts with happy, supported people. That’s why we offer a comprehensive and thoughtful benefits package designed to help you thrive inside and outside of work. From competitive pay to career growth opportunities, we’re committed to supporting you.

Our Benefits Include:

Compensation: Competitive base salaries (commensurate with experience) and other recognition dependent upon role.

Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options to keep you and your family covered.

Financial Security: 401(k) with company match.

Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling where possible.

Growth & Development: We are committed to the growth of our employees by providing ongoing training, professional development opportunities, and pathways to advance your career.

Breadquarters Perks: Weekly take-home bread, because real sourdough bread is part of your life, not just your job. You’ll also enjoy the occasional team meal, first tastes of our innovation, and coffee is provided at the office.

Recognition: izzio encourages a recognition culture and offers opportunities to recognize peers via our Employee Portal Recognition & Rewards.

At izzio, you’re more than just an employee, you’re a key ingredient in our success. We value craftsmanship, teamwork, and innovation, and we’re proud to create breads that bring joy to our customers every day. When you join our team, you become part of a community that respects your contributions, supports your growth, and celebrates the art of baking together.