Senior Rewards Specialist

Position: Senior Total Rewards Specialist
Our people make SAIT shine. The Human Resources department ensures employees feel valued, supported and empowered to pursue bold ambitions and fulfilling careers. Be part of a team dedicated to helping every employee thrive and make the most of their SAIT journey.
The Opportunity
The Senior Total Rewards Specialist provides specialized expertise and advisory support in the design, governance, and continuous improvement of SAIT’s Benefits, Pension, Recognition, and Ability Management programs. As a key member of the Total Rewards team, this role ensures that these programs are strategically integrated, administered effectively, remain compliant, and are aligned with SAIT’s broader Total Rewards philosophy and employee experience objectives.

Operating with a high degree of independence, the Senior Specialist conducts complex analytical work, oversees vendor partnerships, and delivers data-driven insights that inform policy, governance, and financial decisions. This role applies deep technical knowledge of pension and benefits legislation, disability and leave management practices, and recognition frameworks to enhance program efficiency and employee engagement.

The Senior TR Specialist collaborates closely with HR leadership, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen governance, manage risk, and ensure SAIT’s programs remain competitive, fiscally sound, and responsive to workforce needs. Through continuous improvement, education, and effective communication, the role supports the Manager, total Rewards in advancing SAIT’s Total Rewards strategy, advancing institutional wellbeing and retention outcomes.

The Senior Specialist also plays a key role in knowledge transfer across the team and employees, building capability in Total Rewards practices and governance. This includes preparing and presenting Board and Committee materials that translate complex data and strategic insights into clear, actionable recommendations supporting institutional decision-making.

Role Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight & Governance

Guide the strategic design, costing, and enhancement of benefits, pension, recognition, and ability management programs to ensure competitiveness and compliance.

Partner with HR, Finance, and other business units to align advisory, transactional, and strategic functions across Total Rewards.

Prepare governance materials and Board/Committee reports, translating complex data and insights into actionable recommendations for executive decision-making.

Monitor legislative, regulatory, and market changes to ensure programs remain compliant and responsive to evolving needs.

Provide governance oversight, policy interpretation, and risk management across all Total Rewards programs.

Lead special projects and analysis related to program strategy, employee engagement, and sustainability.

Facilitate knowledge transfer across HR and business units to embed consistent practices, standards, and institutional understanding of Total Rewards.

Program Management

Manage and oversee SAIT’s pension programs (defined benefit, defined contribution, savings, and supplemental plans) and benefits programs (health, dental, disability, and life), ensuring legislative compliance and operational excellence.

Oversee ability management programs, including disability and leave administration, ensuring alignment with SAIT policies and employee wellbeing objectives.

Partner with Finance and vendors to ensure sound fiscal governance, accurate forecasting, and accountability for budget and cost management.

Identify and implement process improvements that enhance data accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.

Conduct audits and data validation to ensure compliance and integrity across all Total Rewards systems.

Prepare analytical reports and presentations summarizing utilization, cost trends, and program performance for HR leadership and governance bodies.

Vendor Management

Manage vendor relationships and support contract negotiations to ensure optimal value, service quality, and compliance with SAIT standards.

Oversee performance evaluations and participate in consultant review sessions to ensure service delivery aligns with institutional…