HR Specialist – Attendance & Leave SPOC

Join Ford's HR team as an HR Specialist – Attendance & Leave SPOC, where you'll become a trusted expert in compliance, policy interpretation, and data-driven employee support in a dynamic unionized manufacturing environment with 450 employees at Lima Engine Plant.

You will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for attendance management, FMLA, Medical Leaves of Absence (MLOA), and related compliance programs. Your expertise will directly support line managers, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to a fair and consistent employee experience.

This position is ideal for detail-oriented professionals who thrive on mastering complex policy areas while building strong stakeholder relationships and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and compliant administration of FMLA, MLOA, bereavement, and other leaves of absence in accordance with National Agreement, company policy, local contractual agreements, and applicable regulations
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for line management on NAP policies, FMLA regulations, and attendance program interpretation
• Conduct and document corrective action discussions for chargeable absences, notification failures, and tardiness in partnership with supervisors
• Accurately document outcomes of corrective action hearings and disciplinary processes
• Monitor and follow up with line management to resolve open NAP, tardiness, and leave-related issues
• Audit and correct Time Worked/Off System (TWOS) coding for attendance and tardiness
• Maintain all required documentation related to FMLA administration and ensure compliance with recordkeeping requirements
• Assist in the 5-day quit process for job abandonment cases

Employee & Stakeholder Partnership

• Act as primary point of contact for employees regarding FMLA inquiries, leave status communications, and return-to-work coordination
• Coordinate with local medical department to ensure smooth processing of medical leaves and fitness-for-duty evaluations
• Build trusted relationships with line managers by providing expert guidance on complex attendance and leave situations
• Partner with supervisors to coach effective attendance conversations that balance compassion with accountability
• Collaborate with HR colleagues on employee lifecycle transactions involving leave administration (separations, reinstatements, transfers)

Data Analysis, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Run and analyze attendance-related reports including AWOL, ART, Late Reports, and leave utilization trends
• Create data visualizations and presentations tailored for diverse audiences (line supervisors, plant leadership, union representatives)
• Clean and update employee attendance and discipline records to ensure data integrity
• Identify patterns in attendance data and recommend proactive interventions to reduce absenteeism
• Apply root cause corrective action (RCCA) methodologies to identify and recommend opportunities to streamline attendance processes
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance HR service delivery and employee experience

Cross-Functional Development & Collaboration

• Perform general administrative tasks including filing, document organization, and front-desk coverage as needed
• Support HR team with employee data audits and HRIS system integrity checks
• Participate in cross-functional HR projects to gain exposure to recruiting, onboarding, compensation, and employee relations
• Attend employee relations meetings and union-management discussions to develop broader labor relations knowledge
• Provide backup support for employee onboarding coordination and new hire orientation during peak periods
• Partner closely with HR Specialist – Employee Lifecycle Coordination to ensure seamless employee experience across attendance, leave, and lifecycle transitions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Legal Studies, or related field required
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered

Even better, you may have

• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, and leave administration regulations
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and labor relations practices
• Experience using HRIS systems and timekeeping software (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Workforce One, Kronos)
• Exposure to employee relations, conflict resolution, or HR investigations
• Experience in manufacturing plant or distribution center environment

Work Requirements

This role requires onsite presence at Lima Engine Plant to fulfill job responsibilities and build relationships with plant leadership and employees.

Physical Requirements: Involves occasional (defined as one-third or less of the time) lifting of no more than 10 pounds at a time. Work is performed primarily in a seated position and entails no significant stooping, standing, or climbing. Many responsibilities require good use of the hands and fingers for repetitive hand-finger actions. Working conditions occur within low to moderate noise levels related to the use of standard office equipment.

Schedule: Flexibility to work varied shifts including mornings, evenings, and weekends depending on plant operational needs. Primary schedule is Monday -Friday 8 am - 5 pm but will need to be able to support other shifts as needed.