HR Generalist, Benefits & Leave

About Ascent
Ascent Global Logistics, headquartered in Belleville, Michigan, is a leading global provider of expedited, time-critical logistics solutions and other direct transportation services. The company connects customers to its extensive carrier network, internal ground fleet and airline via its proprietary, digital PEAK freight marketplace, which provides robust carrier capacity and transparent pricing, backed by 24/7/365 logistics experts. Ascent’s offerings include air charter and ground expedited solutions as well as truckload, less-than-truckload, global forwarding, brokerage, and managed transportation services. The experienced Ascent team solves customers’ most challenging logistics needs by providing industry-leading service and top-tier satisfaction.
Our Guiding Principles
At the core of Ascent's culture is a strong commitment to excellence, driven by the passion and dedication of every team member. We're equally dedicated to going above and beyond for our customers, ensuring this commitment extends beyond our team and brings exceptional value to those we serve. We aim for perfect execution in everything we do and ‘play hard’ by creating an environment where tasks are performed with a can-do attitude from start to finish. We ‘play smart’ by delivering on our commitments in an honest, fair and ethical manner. We treat every person with whom we interface with the utmost dignity and respect. We understand that our teammates are our most valuable assets, so we ‘play together’ by making every effort to provide a professional and enjoyable experience, enabling careers to flourish and personal growth to be achieved.

What You’ll Do
The Human Capital Generalist, Benefits & Leave, provides dedicated support in the administration of employee benefits, leaves of absence, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Short-Term Disability (STD) processes across Ascent. This role also supports broader Human Capital operations, including employee onboarding, badging, policy and employee support, Human Resource Information System (HRIS) administration, reporting, testing, and process improvement. The position partners closely with employees, managers, payroll, vendors, and the Human Capital team to ensure accurate administration, timely communication, and a high level of service throughout the employee lifecycle.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding employee benefits, eligibility, enrollment, life events, coverage questions, and issue resolution.
• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and other voluntary benefits.
• Manage leave of absence administration for assigned employee groups, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short-Term Disability (STD), Paid Parental Leave (PPL), personal leave, Accommodations (ADA) and other company or state-mandated leave programs.
• Coordinate leave cases with employees, managers, payroll, and third-party administrators to ensure proper documentation, timely communication, accurate pay treatment, and smooth return-to-work transitions.
• Process and maintain HRIS transactions related to benefits and leave administration, including benefit events, leave events, status changes, PTO coordination, and employee record updates.
• Ensure accuracy of benefits and leave data, reconcile vendor billing and eligibility records, support payroll processing related to benefits and disability pay, and coordinate required reporting and file transfers with external benefit partners.
• Support annual open enrollment activities, benefit communication materials, employee education, carrier issue resolution, and ongoing process improvements that enhance service, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Support compliance and reporting requirements by preparing information for government filings, assisting with policy administration, and providing reporting support for benefits, leave, and Human Capital operations.
• Conduct orientation sessions, coordinate onboarding activities, complete new hire paperwork, and issue required employment notices.
• Support employees and managers with day-to-day questions regarding Human Capital policies, procedures, and compensation, and escalate complex matters as appropriate.
• Provide administrative, instructional, and HRIS support across Ascent business units.
• Participate in HRIS testing and related support activities for system updates, open enrollment, and new functionality, as needed.
• Perform other department and company-related duties and special projects as assigned.
  
  
  

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources or Human Capital experience with significant emphasis on benefits administration, leave of absence management, and employee support.
• Strong working knowledge of employee benefits, leave administration, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short-Term Disability (STD), payroll coordination, and applicable federal and state employment regulations.
• Experience working with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office applications; Workday or UKG experience preferred and intermediate Excel skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism, discretion, strong judgment, and a customer-focused approach.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines, vendors, and employee cases simultaneously.
• Experience supporting open enrollment, vendor management, data audits, reconciliations, and benefit or leave-related process improvements preferred.
• HRCI or SHRM certification preferred.
  
  
  

Ascent’s Competitive Benefits

• 401(k) and employer matching
• Life Insurance
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Wellness Program
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Overtime, Differential & Bonus Pay