Lead, Total Rewards

Location: Ottawa, ON

Business Unit: Corporate Services | People and Culture

Reports to: Manager, Total Rewards

Type: Permanent | Full Time             

Overall job purpose:

The Lead, Total Rewards is responsible for the execution of strategic Total Rewards initiatives and projects within the CMA Enterprise Total Rewards portfolio including compensation, benefits, disability, PTO plans, and rewards and recognition programs. 

A hands-on project leader, they work closely with the Total Rewards team to establish operational best practices and lead the planning, administration, and implementation of a variety of Total Rewards projects and initiatives.  The Lead, Total Rewards demonstrates broad subject matter expertise in a variety of Total Rewards disciplines and works closely with and supports the Manager, Total Rewards in the execution of total rewards strategies that align with the evolving CMA Enterprise people and business strategies. 

Key responsibilities:

Total Rewards Projects

• Develops and actively manages against a Total Rewards calendar of cyclical activities and projects.
• Acts as project manager in the execution of a variety of Total Rewards initiatives; leverages the expertise of Total Rewards and People and Culture (P&C) team members to establish appropriate objectives and milestones, maintain effective communication between related stakeholders (internal and external), and integrate required resources to deliver cyclical and ad hoc projects.
• Collaborates with Total Rewards, P&C and Finance team members in developing recommendations for a unified total rewards ‘brand’ and communication strategy focused on increasing transparency and promoting the value of Total Rewards programs.
• Researches and proposes opportunities to leverage technology to enhance the employee total rewards experience; leading the implementation of tools and resources to improve data accessibility, self-serve functionality, expansion of employee communications, resources, and tools available to employees.

Rewards & Recognition

• Acts as subject matter lead for the Rewards and Recognition component of the Total Rewards portfolio.
• Evaluates and assesses the impact and value of existing employee recognition approaches based on best practices and in alignment with P&C strategies and objectives for engaging staff and maintaining an optimum employee experience; this will include but may not be limited to management and peer recognition tools, corporate awards, long service awards, perquisites, employee appreciation events and initiatives.
• Recommends integrated improvements to Rewards & Recognition programs, including communication strategies to promote recognition programs and ensure managers and employees know and use the tools available to them.
• Monitors budgetary spend, and oversees day-to-day administration related to rewards and recognition programs.

Compensation and Benefits

• Works closely with and supports team members in establishing efficient and effective delivery of Benefits and Compensation portfolios.
• Supports the Compensation Analyst in the review and preparation of compensation recommendations for new hires, promotions, internal transfers, and other related employee changes, and in facilitating job evaluation reviews for new and changing roles where required.
• Acts as back up to the Compensation Analyst when required.
• Supports Benefits and/or Compensation projects in the role of Project Manager as required.

Policies and Documentation

• Maintains an in-depth knowledge of the changing legislation landscape influencing CMA Enterprise Total Rewards, recommending, and implementing changes where required. 
• Works closely with team members to ensure policies and procedural documentation are up to date and conform to all legislative and regulatory requirements. 

Leadership

• Coaches and provides informal guidance to members of the Total Rewards team in the administration and delivery of integrated total rewards programs for employees.
• Oversees and manages the day-to-day work of the Total Rewards Coordinator in their administrative support of the broader Total Rewards portfolio, providing on-going feedback and development.
• Acts as a back-up to the Manager, Total Rewards as required.

Key skills and competencies:

All positions have the following core competencies:

• Communication
• Creativity and innovation
• Member/client/stakeholder focus
• Results oriented
• Teamwork and collaboration

In addition to the core competencies, all people manager and senior individual contributor positions have the following leadership competencies:

• Strategic thinking
• Leading and managing change
• Developing others
• Team leadership

In addition to the competencies listed above, the following skills and traits are required:

• Extensive in-depth knowledge and experience in the design and delivery of Total Rewards programs, best practices and trends; thorough knowledge of applicable legislation governing Total Reward programs.
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing Total Rewards projects and programs; excellent planning and organization skills; able to effectively coordinate the work of others (including external providers) to manage multiple and diverse priorities.
• Proactive functional leader with proven decision-making skills and the ability to remain flexible, manage expectations and find solutions to complex, multi-faceted problems; practical, long-term thinker who considers interdependencies and the broader impact of changes.
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills and ability to communicate clearly and concisely; ability to convey complex subject matter and persuade and influence at all levels; an ability to converse, read and write in French, as well as English is preferred though not required.
• Solid hands-on experience with compensation principles and concepts, including comprehensive knowledge of job evaluation, pay structure, variable pay experience, pay equity legislation, annual merit budgeting, and the use of competitive pay analysis.
• Knowledge and direct experience designing, implementing, and/or maintaining group employee benefits preferred; knowledge of employment standards and legislation as it pertains to benefits and leave entitlements required.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with ability to translate and present to a variety of stakeholders; advanced computer skills: specifically, Excel, and Office 365 applications, as well as numerical aptitude and strong attention to detail.
• Strong researching and problem-solving skills; ability to collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, create solutions, and make informed recommendations.
• Experienced people leader with a dedication and passion for supporting the success and development of all team members.
• Demonstrated agility to succeed in a high change, fast paced environment, juggling multiple time sensitive priorities.

Education:

• University degree in a related field
• Certified Human Resources Professional/Leader (CHRP/CHRL), Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and/or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) would all be considered strong assets.

Experience:

• 6-9 years of progressive Human Resources experience required, with a minimum of 5 years working directly within one or more Total Rewards specialties (Compensation and Benefits preferred).
• Experience leading/managing people strongly preferred.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

CMA is an equal opportunity employer and will reasonably accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment, assessment and hiring process.