Manager, Benefits & Retirement Plans for North America

About the role
The

Manager, Benefits & Retirement Plans for North America

will be a key expert of the HR leadership team in North America and will collaborate with others on the team as well as internal/external experts and business leaders to deliver a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP). The individual will be responsible for leading all aspects of the health & welfare programs, including retirement plans, for employees in Canada and the US. They will manage a small team and will assess the programs and plans to ensure they drive the best results and value proposition to the company. They will manage contracts, administer programs, provide analysis and reporting, recommend updates and changes.

The Manager, Benefits & Retirement Plans has the following duties:
Lead and manage the Benefits & Retirement Plans Team in all aspects of delivering on the EVP.
Ensure best practices are in place and manage the administration of all plans and programs (e.g. open enrolment).
Ensure compliant and accurate administration of all plans and programs such as 401(k), RSP, medical, life, short and long term disability, EAP etc.
Ensure all records are securely maintained and in compliance with regulatory and company requirements.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting for all internal and external requirements
Design plans and programs to drive a compelling EVP including management of regular reviews and renewals.
Develop and lead strategies for communication,
education and related initiatives materials for plans and programs.
Source external expertise as required and manage such relationships and applicable contracts (e.g. contracts with brokers and benefits providers).
Identify, propose and lead the implementation of improvements to the value proposition of plans and programs.
Lead and manage RFP processes for external experts and vendors.
Timely response and resolution of issues related to plans and programs including general and individual employee issues.
Contribute to global initiatives and requests for support as they arise from time to time
Collaborate with applicable members of the HR teams, internal/external experts, and business leaders for delivery of a compelling EVP.
Monitor usage and trends for plans and programs. Recommend plan changes as appropriate to ensure they are competitive, cost effective, engaging and consistent with corporate goals and perceived as valuable to employees.
Evaluate and compare plans and programs with those of other employers by analyzing competitor plans and employee surveys to develop specific recommendations for approval by the leadership team.
Analyze plan/program value proposition and recommendation changes & improvements.
Ensure compliance with all regulations and requirements including state, provincial and federal.
Plan, develop and implement new and revised programs, policies, guidelines and procedures.
Collaborate with Payroll team and with Finance to ensure accurate payroll administration of plan/program deductions and plan payments.
Ensure data integrity in systems and processes.
Identify and lead implementation of process improvements, streamlining and systems changes (e.g. direct feeds and interfaces).
Support (and lead as appropriate) for initiatives including system changes, employee communications and education, M&A activities (e.g. due diligence and integration)

Position Requirements:
Bachelors’ Degree required.
Senior level of experience with all aspects of employee benefits and retirement plans in Canada and the USA.
Knowledge, understanding, and application of regulatory and reporting requirements relevant to the function across Canada and the USA including ERISA, FLMA, FLSA, EEO, etc.
Demonstrated experience leading the design, development, implementation, and administration of benefits and retirement plans from concept to execution.
Proven skills in assessing the EVP and in making recommendations and implementing program improvements.
Experience in HRIS / Payroll / Benefits system integrations and interfaces
Current PHR/SPHR; CEBS or equivalent
Occasional travel may be required.
Core Competencies:
Proven ability to successfully lead a team in this function with remote locations
Strong business acumen and ability to provide reports and recommendations
Experience managing benefits, retirement and health & welfare plans and programs across multiple locations in Canada and USA
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work efficiently.

Our benefits include:
Comprehensive benefit package specific to your work status (including extended medical, dental, and vision coverage, access to company perks, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with company match, employee assistance and wellness programs).
Additional vacation days for years of service.
Business support for education or training after 9 months with the company.
Learning & development opportunities (unlimited access to e-learnings and more).

Please note: benefits vary based on employee status.

Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, First Nations Metis and Inuit persons, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities.