Manager, Total Rewards & Payroll

Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI); Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Calgary is seeking a Manager for Total Rewards & Payroll. This full-time permanent position involves leading a high-performing team and championing Payroll and Total Rewards programs. The ideal candidate has extensive payroll experience, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for creating positive employee experiences. Working at this organization offers meaningful contributions to vulnerable community members and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental benefits

Employer-matching RRSP program

Paid vacation, sick, and wellness days

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible payroll, compensation, and total rewards experience.
• 3+ years of experience leading a team.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll functions and current legislation.

Responsibilities

• Shape a high-performing Payroll and Benefits team.
• Champion collaboration with key stakeholders for Payroll and Total Rewards programs.
• Lead the DI’s Total Rewards strategy.

Skills

Payroll management

Team leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Post Secondary Degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Tools

Ceridian Dayforce

Job description

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Join Our Mission at the Calgary Drop-In Centre

At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we’re looking for passionate, community‑minded people who know that kindness can change lives.

Whether you’re helping guests find housing, supporting their recovery journey, or keeping our operations running strong, your work here truly matters. Every role at the DI is about creating possibilities for others, and for yourself.

Who We Are

The Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI) is a low‑barrier, housing‑focused organization serving some of Calgary’s most vulnerable community members.

We believe everyone deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to thrive. Every day, our team meets people where they’re at — offering basic needs, compassion, and connection while helping them move toward stable, permanent housing.

Our work is guided by the principles of housing first, trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, and recovery‑oriented practice. But above all, we’re guided by people — their stories, their strengths, and their potential.

When you join the DI, you’re joining a team built on respect, collaboration, and heart.

The Opportunity

Position Title: Manager, Total Rewards & Payroll
Reports To: Director, People & Culture
Employment Type: Full‑time Permanent
Schedule: 5 days on/2 days off, Monday to Friday

About the Department

The People & Culture team is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and values‑driven workplace. We work closely with leaders and employees to support meaningful work experiences, a positive organizational culture and strive to create an environment where people feel supported, heard, and valued.

What You’ll Do

Every role at the DI makes a difference. In this position, you will:

• Shape a high‑performing Payroll and Benefits team through strong leadership, coaching, and development; driving service excellence aligned with the Agency’s culture and vision.
• Champion collaboration with key stakeholders to deliver a strategic, end‑to‑end Payroll and Total Rewards program that meets the evolving needs of the Agency.
• Strengthen best‑practice operations by reviewing, analyzing, and improving payroll, benefits, and tax processes end‑to‑end.
• Provide hands‑on support and backup to the Payroll and Benefits Coordinator to ensure seamless, on‑time payroll delivery.
• Elevate operations through continuous improvement: simplifying processes, strengthening controls, and enhancing efficiency and data integrity.
• Lead the DI’s Total Rewards strategy, shaping compensation, benefits, and time‑off programs that support employees throughout every stage of their journey while advancing the DI’s short-& long-term objectives.
• Execute end‑to‑end leave administration across disability and leave programs, delivering a consistent, values‑aligned experience supported by accurate reporting, and collaborate closely with Health, Safety, and Wellness to ensure seamless WCB processes and communication.
• Support and collaborate with the Director, People and Culture to shape and deliver the annual compensation program, aligning execution with the DI’s compensation philosophy and broader Total Rewards strategy.
• Oversee and strengthen job evaluation processes ensuring alignment with organizational compensation frameworks.

As a leader, you’ll bring thoughtful, values‑aligned solutions to life while keeping the employee experience at the heart of every decision

This role is ideal for a people‑focused leader who values collaboration and purpose, thrives as a strategic partner and is passionate about creating positive, meaningful employee experiences.

What You Bring

We know that great people come from all kinds of backgrounds. You don’t have to check every single box! If you’re passionate about helping others and share our values, we want to hear from you.

Must‑Haves

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible payroll, compensation and total rewards experience with a history of demonstrating a passion for delivering exceptional service
• Post Secondary Degree with preference given to specialties in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field
• 3+ years of experience leading a team
• In depth knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, payment, reconciliation, internal controls, and payroll taxes with a preference for experience with Ceridian Dayforce payroll platform
• Demonstrated knowledge of pay equity, compliance and building complex total rewards strategies
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with compensation and job evaluation
• In depth knowledge of current legislation (OHS Act, Employment Standards Act, WSIA)
• Ability to provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector clearance check.
• Strong project management skills and experience delivering complex initiatives
• Proven ability to build effective relationships across all organizational levels
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to translate data insights into tangible actions

Nice to Haves

• Previous experience with Payroll system implementation and configuration of payroll and HRIS requirements
• Experience working in a 24/7 operation

Working at the DI

Working at the Calgary Drop‑In Centre (the DI) means being part of meaningful, human‑centered work that can sometimes involve complex and emotionally charged situations. You may encounter individuals experiencing crisis, distress, or strong emotions, and situations that require calm, quick thinking, and compassion under pressure.

We know this work can be intense and we also know it’s deeply impactful. That’s why we prioritize staff wellbeing through training, peer and supervisory support, debriefing opportunities, and a strong culture of teamwork. Our environment calls for resilience and steadiness, but it also offers the reward of seeing real change and connection every day. Some roles may also involve occasional exposure to medical distress or bodily fluids, and safety protocols and resources are always in place to support you.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Employer‑matching RRSP program
• Paid vacation, sick, and wellness days
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (Homewood EFAP)
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Benefits typically begin on the first of the month following your start date, and our P&C team will ensure you have clear information and support from day one.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Make a tangible difference in people’s lives every single day
• Work with a team that values respect, compassion, and authenticity
• Collaborate with dedicated professionals and community partners
• Be part of an organization that encourages growth, wellbeing, and innovation

You’ll play a key role in supporting an integrated, person‑centered approach that promotes wellbeing, dignity, and connection for every individual we serve. At the Calgary Drop‑In Centre (the DI), our team members help create safe, inclusive, and trauma‑informed spaces where people can access the support they need to move toward stability and housing. In every interaction, you’ll contribute to high‑quality, compassionate service that reflects the shared mission, vision, and values of the DI.