About this opportunity

At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.

This role is primarily responsible for the delivery of the strategic aspects of Meridian’s Wellness and Retirement programs, including group benefits, pension, wellness, leaves of absence and disability programs.  The role will work closely with both leaders and employees within the organization on the design and delivery of strategic programs, create policies and guidelines that influence the engagement of talent and enhance the employee experience. 

This role will also serve as an employee member of the Health and Safety Committee and the subject matter expert for Wellness, Benefits and Retirement on all Employee Experience initiatives and will often be the designated primary contact for internal and external program stakeholders. The Senior Pension and Benefits Specialist will provide oversight and direction to plan vendors and will provide oversight, support and guidance to other members of the Wellness and Retirement team.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management:

Support Line of Business initiatives by providing subject matter expertise and stakeholder management for matters relating to benefits, pension and wellness program. Document and evaluate internal wellness, benefit and pension program workflows, identify and implement changes process and procedure to improve efficiency and service levels. Serve as primary resource for the execution of key deliverables and management of stakeholders for wellness, benefit and pension initiatives such changes to HRIS systems, plan design or vendors. Assist the Manager, Health & Wellbeing in overseeing completion of project deliverables assigned to other team members.

 

Day to Day Operations:

Provide guidance and oversight to other team members by serving as a resource for complex or escalated inquiries and concerns. Ensure pension plans are administered in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with Plan Text and in compliance with legislation and CAP guidelines. Accountable for day-to-day vendor management, providing direction for changes to routine administration practice, and ensuring adherence to service level agreements. Monitor and maintain team-level task calendar, ensuring all items are completed on timely basis. Support pension governance and compliance through production of Pension Committee agenda and meeting minutes and regular attendance and participation at Committee meetings. Regularly attend and participate in all Joint Health and Safety Committee meetings, with responsibilities as assigned.

 

Program Management:

Conduct regular plan design and utilization reviews to ensure market competitiveness and program adequacy in reference to Meridian’s Blueprint for Growth and the Strategic Objectives of the Employee Experience Team. Regularly review plan vendor costs, service levels and plan member satisfaction to preserve and enhance program quality. With an eye to innovation and continuous improvement, proactively identify opportunities to improve the quality, delivery and value proposition of the Wellness and Retirement program throughout the year. Support the Manager, Health & Wellbeing with coaching and development of other team members.

 

Communications:

Improve engagement through the development and execution of annual communication and education plan. Work with internal communication and external vendors to draft and distribute plan member communications once reviewed by Manager, Health & Wellbeing. Support senior leadership and board through the drafting and preparation of reports and presentation material.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proven track record of developing and implementing programs and vendor management. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Able to communicate complex concepts to all audiences and to all levels of stakeholders. Strong financial acumen as it relates to the tracking of pension and benefit forecasting and monitoring of expenses. Technical expertise in the governance and administration of pension and benefit programs. Proven leadership skill and ability, with demonstrated ability to develop positive relationships with all levels of management and staff. Results oriented, strategic thinker, self-starter requiring minimal direction and supervision. Comfortable with and motivated by the responsibilities for transforming and leading benefit and wellness initiatives. Excellent relationship development, communication and advisory skills.

 

Education, Designations, Training, and Experience

Post-Secondary education, preferably in Human Resources and/or a combination of equivalent training, education and experience. Completion of CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or in progress required. 5+ years in benefits role with experience in benefit design and funding concepts. Extensive experience with Defined Benefit Pension plan administration. Expert knowledge of pension plan design concepts, administration and regulatory framework (governance). Experience with flexible benefit administration and set up. Deep knowledge of industry trends and benefit analytics is required. Proficient with Excel and HRIS systems.

 

Office Location: 3330 Bloor Street West, Toronto OR 75 Corporate Park Drive, St. Catharines. This is a hybrid work opportunity.

Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires a minimum of semi-monthly regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate and build effective relationships with your team, your colleagues and your leader which is important to us.

What's in it for you?

We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages teamwork, creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success! We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients! You will get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders and colleagues, who have hailed from top organizations. Hybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues. This is not your typical "corporate" job. We work hard and we have fun!

 

Who we are:

Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 380,000 Members. Meridian has more than 80 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 87 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $ 32B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2200 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve.  Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose - helping our members achieve their best life. 

Find our story here: About Meridian

 

Experience the Difference!

Meridian committed to promoting an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities and Members in which we live and serve.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview.

Thank you for your interest in Meridian Credit Union.

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