AVP, Employee Well-being, Pension & Benefits Programs

The Talent Company; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR consultancy is seeking a strategic and experienced leader for their Human Resources team to oversee well-being, pension, and benefits programs. This role involves managing a team of over 25 and providing insights to executive leadership. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of leadership experience in pensions and benefits with strong financial acumen. A hybrid work environment is offered, requiring 3 days a week in the downtown Toronto office.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in pensions and benefits.
• Experience managing budgets, salary administration, and performance management.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of pension plan metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of well-being and benefits programs.
• Build and develop a high-impact team of 25+ employees.
• Manage escalated employee and retiree issues with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Our client, a large and reputable organization with a national presence and a workforce of over 10,000 employees, is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to join their Human Resources team. Reporting to the SVP, Global Compensation, Pension, Benefits & Governance, this AVP will lead the design and execution of integrated well-being, pension, benefits, health & safety, and savings programs, while overseeing a high-performing team and delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that align with organizational goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership in the ongoing development and optimization of well-being, health & safety, benefits, pension, and savings programs.
• Build and develop a collaborative, high-impact team of 25+ employees.
• Act as a senior advisor and consultant to HR and executive leadership.
• Oversee core operational functions such as benefits renewals, regulatory filings, pension audits, and vendor management.
• Lead and implement strategic projects tied to enterprise goals, including post-acquisition integration.
• Develop and deliver clear and engaging communication materials to promote employee understanding and participation in programs.
• Chair and prepare materials for pension and investment committee meetings.
• Maintain financial oversight, ensuring sustainability and compliance across all plans.
• Analyze and report on program metrics to support continuous improvement.
• Manage escalated and complex employee and retiree issues in partnership with internal stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in pensions and benefits, with exposure to disability case management, health and safety, and employment law.

Strong financial acumen, including understanding of underwriting arrangements and pension plan metrics.

Experience managing budgets, salary administration, and performance management.

Proven ability to influence and build strong relationships across various levels of an organization.

SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to build and lead engaged, high-performing teams.

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.

Strategic mindset with a passion for delivering innovative, people-focused solutions.

REQUIRED

Hybrid work environment with 3-days per week working in the downtown Toronto office.

Consideration working on-site in London, ON or Winnipeg, MB offices.

This job description represents the general responsibilities and duties of our client’s position but should not be construed as an all-inclusive detailed job description.

Confidentiality Note

This search is being conducted confidentially . Details regarding the organization and its operations will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.

At The Talent Company, we recognize the value of different perspectives and experiences to prompt innovation, spark creativity, and solve problems. As an equal employment opportunity organization, we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, persons with disabilities and all other categories protected by law.

We are committed to Equal Opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please let us know if an adjustment or adaptation is required at any stage to support you during the recruitment journey.