At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

The Director, Compensation Strategy is responsible for defining, leading and implementing the development of the compensation strategy for unionized and non-unionized employees for CN and subsidiaries. The incumbent oversees the development and delivery of initiatives designed to further improve and enhance CN’s compensation offerings, in line with the business priorities. 

Main Responsibilities

Compensation Strategy

Synthesize executive and non-executive compensation strategies and philosophy and ensure each is in alignment with broader CN Human Resources (HR) strategy and vision

Develop annual compensation budget recommendation for leadership and lead the annual compensation review cycle, including communication and training 

Guide the development of the executive and non-executive compensation structures to ensure consistency and fairness in the organization

Provide approval on proposed enhancements to compensation processes, tools and programs

Resolve and advise on the optimal mix of compensation levers that influence talent acquisition and retention

Resolve the strategy for the targeted and scheduled review of CN salary bands (including through benchmarking surveys)

Stay up to date on trends, leading practices and research on compensation, 
short- and long-term incentives, and leaves

Compensation Delivery

Lead pay equity compliance in Canada and the United States (U.S.), including committees with union representatives, reporting requirements and communication strategy 

Approve the compensation cycle and associated activities including the communications framework

Approve the job evaluation and job architecture framework, tools, and processes

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior leadership, business unit leaders and external parties 

Represent CN in external groups and in front of government officials (e.g., Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)) 

Act as a trusted advisor for compensation related matters across HR and the wider organization

Team Management

Coach direct reports to align them with broader HR strategy and vision, and ensure they understand the complexities and needs of the compensation teams they are supporting

Handle and mentor direct reports including day-to-day people management responsibilities, and ensure the team collaborates effectively and maintains strong performance and results (e.g., meets expected Key Performance Objectives (KPOs), Kep Performance Indicators (KPIs))

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The role requires minimal travel (10%) within North America. Due to nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to work in a high-pressure environment, meet deadlines to ensure executive and board-level deliverables, handle pressure, and stress. 

Requirements

Experience 

Human Resources 

Minimum 10 years of experience in overseeing compensation functions, including base pay, incentive pay, executive compensation, and related areas 

Between 8 to 10 years of experience in leading a shared service function and a large team of professionals 

Experience in designing and implementing programs, including vendor negotiation, budget analysis, and staff training 

Education/Certification/Designation 

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Actuary or a related field 

Competencies 

Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

Collaborates with others and shares information

Seeks and values all perspectives

Sets direction and inspires others

Communicates with impact

Demonstrates active listening

Identifies needs and finds solutions to create value for all stakeholders

Technical Skills/Knowledge

Knowledge of legislation as it pertains to compensation 

About CN 

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.