EMEA Leave Admin Lead and Global Policy Owner

Vice President, EMEA Leave Admin Lead & Global Policy Owner 

The Lead of EMEA Leave Administration is responsible for strategic oversight, governance, and continuous improvement of the organization’s leave and time off operations. They are also responsible for global Leaves policy governance. This role ensures global compliance, operational consistency and design while supporting employee well-being and business continuity. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in international labor laws, policy design, and stakeholder engagement across diverse regions. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Policy Strategy & Design 

• Own and evolve global leave and time off policies, including statutory and non-statutory programs (e.g., parental leave, sick leave, annual leave, other statutory time off). 

• Ensure policies are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with local laws, cultural norms, and company values. 

• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and regional HR teams to ensure policies reflect current legislation and business needs. 

Global Program Management 

• Lead the implementation and harmonization of leave programs across regions, balancing global consistency with local flexibility. 

• Manage vendor relationships and technology platforms supporting leave administration. 

• Oversee escalations and complex leave cases, ensuring a consistent and empathetic approach globally. 

Compliance & Risk Mitigation 

• Monitor global labor law developments and proactively update policies to maintain compliance. 

• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to identify gaps and ensure adherence to internal standards and external regulations. 

• Maintain documentation for internal governance and external audits. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement 

• Serve as the global subject matter expert for leave and time off policies. 

• Provide guidance and training to HR Business Partners, People Managers, and employees. 

• Collaborate with Payroll, Benefits, Employee Relations, and regional HR teams to ensure seamless execution. 

Data & Insights 

• Analyze global leave utilization, trends, and employee feedback to inform policy improvements. 

• Develop and deliver dashboards and reports to senior leadership on program performance and impact. 

• Use data to drive decisions around policy evolution, employee experience, and cost management. 

Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.   

• 7+ years of experience in HR, with a focus on leave policy management in a multinational environment. 

• Strong knowledge of global labor laws and statutory leave requirements across key regions (e.g., North America, EMEA, APAC, LATAM). 

• Hands-on experience implementing or managing AI-powered HR tools, HRIS systems, and workflow automation platforms.  

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams in a matrixed, multicultural environment.  

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 

• Experience in process improvement and change management.  

• Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills. Ability to influence at all levels and manage complex stakeholder relationships.  

• Experience leading global projects related to HR operations, technology enablement, or process transformation.  

• Strong understanding of employment law, data privacy, and risk mitigation in a global context.