Pension & Benefits Specialist

Administer multiple plans and various aspects of benefits programs in compliance with plan, policies, current legislation, and corporate governance requirements.

Advise and support the business on benefit requirements and best practices.

Work with HR, Payroll, and employees as subject matter experts on all elements of benefits programs.

Provide day-to-day guidance and timely responses to benefits related inquiries from staff, retirees, and HR from across the country.

Work with internal contacts and service providers to resolve claims, coverage and service issues and find solutions/provide recommendations for sensitive and one-off situations.

Provide on-going benefits administration support.

Support and manage annual benefits enrolment project activities including communications.

Ensure organizational compliance with all relevant benefits plan legislation.

Recommend and implement improvements to the pension and retirement processes in support of providing effective employee, HR, and Manager experience.

Supports annual pension audit and preparation of financial statements.

Supports pension and benefits year end process.

Prepares and submits pension filings to meet regulatory deadlines.

Prepares benefits reports for service providers for eligibility and renewal purposes.

Take a lead role in the integration, testing and implementation of HR systems from a pension & benefits perspective.

Validates and prepares service provider billings for payment.

Preparation of presentations and special reports as required.

Provides additional support within the Total Rewards team and the larger HR team as required.

Strong experience with Canadian benefits programs i.e. broad based and executive.

Strong understanding of benefits legislation and compliance/filing requirements.

A minimum of 4 - 6 years of related work experience and a college or university degree.

2-3 years of SAP and/or specific software experience required related to area of specialization.

Completion or progression toward professional designations such as CEBS preferred.

Knowledge of benefits and pension theory and practice, with the ability to use judgment in applying this knowledge when dealing with complex and confidential issues.

Provide consultation and develop training materials.

Ability to successfully navigate a fast-paced, complex, and changing work environment, while managing multiple and shifting priorities.

Highly developed problem-solving ability and critical thinking skills.

Strong ability to collaborate with internal clients and external vendors to achieve the best results and deliver the most value.

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Excellent communication skills.