POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for the management of the organization’s Canadian benefits, retirement and non-cash rewards programs (e.g.. wellness/mental health, corporate discounts/perks, global service awards, etc.), including design, direction, implementation, communication and planning. Responsible for the management of the Canadian benefits and retirement program administration function. Responsible for the corporate governance and regulatory compliance of the organization’s global retirement and benefits programs, including international retirement programs. Responsible for providing analysis, research, and project management/delivery to develop and enhance the organization’s benefits, retirement and non-cash rewards programs and policies. The role will serve as an escalation point for moderate to complex issues and program-related exception requests to resolve problems expediently, and in a way consistent with corporate policies, philosophies and strategic priorities. While this role has a level of exposure to global programs, it is expected that the vast majority of time will be dedicated to Canadian programs. Activity is guided by the overall Total Rewards philosophy, policies of the organization and specific program designs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience managing benefits and pension plans and programs.
• Minimum Post Secondary education, preferrably in HR, Business or Math.
• Knowledge of computer systems and applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written/verbal) to provide excellent customer service, strong organizational, time management and customer service skills.
• Must have math aptitude and the ability to audit billing and payroll, complete financial analysis, cost impact, etc.
• Must have pension and benefit experience in plan interpretation; reviewing and understanding fund performance reports, working knowledge of pension valuations and ability to converse with actuaries.
• Have expert knowledge of the CAPSA guidelines.
• Previous experience with HRIS.
• Previous experience with flexible benefits plans - preferred.
• CEBS designation - preferred.
• Strong Leadership skills.
• People management experience.
• Strong attention to detail.

Plan/Program & People Management:

• Acts as the subject matter expert, providing guidance to HR Business Partners, Shared Services, employees and management on the organization’s benefits, retirement and non-cash reward programs.
• Handles escalations received, including inquiries and exception requests in a timely manner to ensure quick, equitable and courteous resolution.
• Maintains regular contact with third party vendors/service providers and internal/external stakeholders to ensure inquiries/requests are completed.
• Review exception requests and provide approval within authority level or provide recommendation to Management for approval.
• Develop, coach and provide guidance/direction to direct reports to ensure effective management of individuals and team.

Benefits Administration:

• Manages and oversees the end-to-end administrative processes to ensure effective program management and delivery, including, but not limited to, program activities, data/process auditing and accuracy, portal/system set-up and maintenance (enrolments, changes and terminations) and governance/compliance reporting for programs.
• Provides sign-off on the internal billing, including remittances for service fees and premiums/contributions, and monitors spend on benefits and retirement programs (actuals vs. forecast).
• Establishes service level and quality control standards for the administration team to ensure timely and accurate information to internal/external clients.
• Manages the annual/bi-annual Canadian benefits enrolment process, including portal/system set up, communications/training, reporting and implementation of benefit changes to ensure accurate coverage for eligible employees.

Compliance and Communication:

• Ensures company compliance with appropriate legislation and the company’s pension governance policy/processes. Completes reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and provincial agencies, such as FSRA, and other regulatory agencies. Reviews and analyzes changes to laws and reports necessary or suggested changes to management. Ensures compliance of company benefits with government sponsored programs.
• Partners with Finance department to ensure appropriate forecasting of plan/program contributions and expenses and to complete the annual Pension Audit.
• Prepares and executes, with legal consultation, benefit documentation such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies.
• Instructs insurance carriers, trustees, and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in programs. Ensures prompt and accurate compliance.
• Responsible for the coordination and preparation of materials for all Pension Committee Meetings, including analysis and deriving insights from investment and valuation reports”

Plan Design and Integration:

• Manages Canadian benefits, pension and retirement plan design and renewals. Works with carriers and consultants to negotiate reasonable rates and premiums, as well as any plan enhancements to meet the changing needs of the organization’s employee population.
• Plans, develops, and/or gathers market intelligence through various sources (e.g. participates in regional, industry-specific or custom benchmarking surveys). Analyzes survey results to draw insights to inform plan and program recommendations.
• Frequently reviews global benefits, retirement and non-cash rewards plans and programs in order to remain competitive, attract and retain talent and remain aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Seeks opportunities to improve existing plans and programs, and to achieve greater consistency in benefits, retirement and other program offerings for all company locations, where possible.
• Leads integration or transition work for programs resulting from acquisitions and divestitures.
• Analyzes various data sets (e.g. employee demographic, coverage, costs, etc.) to model impact scenarios and develop recommendations for plan/program implementation or updates for review by senior management.
• Partners with global HR Business Partners to ensure effective change management within business groups for recommended plan/program updates or launches.
• Oversees the development of communication plans and materials including plan documents, booklets, brochures, education and training, tools/resources and other media to enhance employee engagement and effective understanding of offerings.”

Vendor Management:

• Manages relationships with various vendors globally to ensure effective program management and delivery.
• Engages third-party vendors to participate in RFPs for servicing new or existing plans/programs.
• Leads and/or participates in the review of vendor proposals and makes recommendations to management. "

Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:

• Analyzes processes for improvements and enhancements.
• Participates in setting the strategic priorities and objectives for global pension and benefits, and provides input into strategic and resource planning as required.
• Provides HR and Total Rewards programs and project support as required.”