Senior Specialist - Compensation (101199)

WestJet; Calgary; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian airline is seeking a Senior Specialist, Compensation in Calgary, AB. This position focuses on designing and implementing compensation programs, consulting with various stakeholders to ensure competitive compensation strategies. Candidates should have a background in Human Resources or Finance, with at least seven years of experience in compensation management and excellent analytical skills. The role promises a dynamic and collaborative workplace culture.

Benefits

Travel privileges for employees and families

Flexible savings and benefit programs

Friendly workplace culture

Qualifications

• A minimum of seven years of progressive compensation experience in a large organization.
• Experience with both privately held and publicly traded enterprises.
• Expertise in developing and implementing compensation programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead project work to develop or redesign compensation programs.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in compensation.
• Conduct cost and financial analyses for compensation structures.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Employment Type: Full-time Regular

City: Calgary, AB (YYC)

Posting Open Date: 11/27/2025

Posting Close Date: 12/11/2025 (Please note the posting will close at 11:59pm MST)

Why WestJet:

Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.

WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now we're going global.

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

Overview of role:

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Compensation, this individual contributor is a role for an experienced, technical compensation professional. The Senior Specialist, Compensation will be responsible to provide consultation, analysis, strategic insights, and recommendations to the business regarding market competitiveness, incentive plans and management of compensation working collaboratively with Senior HR Business Partners. This role will also have indirect/informal leadership of one or more Advisor, Compensation to mentor and guide their colleagues to execute on the re‑design, development and implementation of compensation programs that are in alignment with WestJet Group strategic priorities.

Serving as a key corporate consultant and compensation expert, the Senior Specialist, Compensation will develop strong cross‑functional relationships with senior leaders and influence a compensation culture and philosophy that will successfully scale WestJet’s near and long‑term growth.

The Senior Specialist, Compensation will work closely with the Director, Total Rewards, and peers across Financial, Legal, People Operations (HR Business Partners), People Services and Organizational Design teams in the facilitation, delivery, and communication of the re‑designed programs, policies, and practices.

Key Deliverables Include:

• Participate in and lead project work which may involve the development or re‑design of compensation programs to support WestJet's growth plans, integration planning or meet governance requirements.
• Deliver the strategic assessment (modelling/budgets), development, implementation and communication of WestJet’s compensation projects, programs, and practices. Manage complex administrative requirements for compensation program execution across multiple teams (e.g., annual compensation planning cycle).
• Identify current compensation opportunities and create comprehensive strategies and programs to effectively address re‑design/automation of processes.
• Indirect leadership, training and coaching of Advisor, Compensation, providing guidance and consulting to assist them in solving highly complex problems for various business units. Leverage the capabilities of the compensation team, strengthen credibility and partnerships with WestJet’s business units, including People & Culture team and business.
• Serve as subject‑matter‑expert in the design and implementation of compensation programs within a Total Rewards framework. Assess and continuously improve compensation related processes to ensure consistent interpretation and administration of the programs. Effective communication of compensation programs/policies to ensure HR Business Partners and leaders understand the impact of their decisions.
• Conduct and review cost and financial analyses in partnership with the broader People and Finance teams, and translate analysis into actionable information for Director, Total Rewards, the executive/Board of Directors audience.
• Through collaboration, uncover business challenges/needs, and interpret Compensation philosophy and guardrails as needed. Prepare data for analysis & decision‑making with the expertise to know the source of meaningful data, prepare presentations for leadership decision making, including conducting market analysis by participating in surveys and networking to research the external market.
• Digital literacy in compensation‑specific tech and tools and participate in its development, (e.g., support HCM/Dayforce implementation).
• Be dialed into market trends for compensation through data and networking groups.
• Support, as needed the implementation of the Federal Pay Equity Act within the organization.
• Stay informed of legislative requirements that affect compensation policies and develop action plans to ensure compliance and implementation (i.e., pay transparency legislation).

Experience and Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (Human Resources, Finance), CCP designation is an asset.
• Minimum seven years of progressive compensation experience in a large, multi‑faceted organization. Experience with both privately held and publicly traded enterprises, in a Federally regulated environment, along with respective compensation elements pertaining to each, is preferred.
• Highly advanced knowledge of Microsoft applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Experience with labour (unionized environment) and operationalizing/understanding the impacts of collective agreements from a total rewards perspective, an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated track record of transforming and implementing new compensation programs within a complex employee structure, consisting of hourly and salaries, and unionized employee groups.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with a proven record in completing complex data analysis and transforming it into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Ability to work in a time‑sensitive environment with great attention to detail.
• Well‑developed communication skills along with tact and diplomacy to deal with sensitive matters.
• Exceptional professional acumen.
• Dedicated team player, highly organized, ability to take initiative and be independent.

The Benefits of being a WestJetter:

• A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win.
• Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date.
• Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs.

Think we are a fit? Apply now!

About WestJet Group of Companies

WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low‑cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low‑cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.

Our Safety Promise

At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well‑being and the safety of others.

WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well‑being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre‑Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and if you require accommodation during the selection process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know at [e-mail]. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

At WestJet, we welcome unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds - if you’re passionate and excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruiting process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.

We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.

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