Senior Total Rewards Specialist

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution in Alberta is seeking a Senior Total Rewards Specialist to enhance and manage the design of the organization's benefits, pension, and recognition programs. This role requires a strategic and analytical professional with 5-7 years of relevant experience, ensuring these programs meet compliance and organizational goals. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with HR and Finance, oversee vendor partnerships, and provide data-driven insights. Competitive salary and benefits offered, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years experience in benefits, pension, and ability management.
• 5-7 years in vendor management and plan governance.
• Experience preparing materials for executive review.

Responsibilities

• Guide design and enhancement of Total Rewards programs.
• Oversee pension and benefits programs ensuring compliance.
• Prepare governance materials for executive decision-making.

Skills

Analytical skills

Vendor management

Strategic thinking

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in human resources or related discipline

Completion of CPHR, CCP or CEBS designation

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Our people make SAIT shine. The Human Resources department ensures employees feel valued, supported and empowered to pursue bold ambitions and fulfilling careers. Be part of a team dedicated to helping every employee thrive and make the most of their SAIT journey.

The Opportunity

The Senior Total Rewards Specialist provides specialized expertise and advisory support in the design, governance, and continuous improvement of SAIT’s Benefits, Pension, Recognition, and Ability Management programs. As a key member of the Total Rewards team, this role ensures that these programs are strategically integrated, administered effectively, remain compliant, and are aligned with SAIT’s broader Total Rewards philosophy and employee experience objectives.

Operating with a high degree of independence, the Senior Specialist conducts complex analytical work, oversees vendor partnerships, and delivers data-driven insights that inform policy, governance, and financial decisions. This role applies deep technical knowledge of pension and benefits legislation, disability and leave management practices, and recognition frameworks to enhance program efficiency and employee engagement.

The Senior TR Specialist collaborates closely with HR leadership, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen governance, manage risk, and ensure SAIT’s programs remain competitive, fiscally sound, and responsive to workforce needs. Through continuous improvement, education, and effective communication, the role supports the Manager, total Rewards in advancing SAIT’s Total Rewards strategy, advancing institutional wellbeing and retention outcomes.

The Senior Specialist also plays a key role in knowledge transfer across the team and employees, building capability in Total Rewards practices and governance. This includes preparing and presenting Board and Committee materials that translate complex data and strategic insights into clear, actionable recommendations supporting institutional decision-making.

Role Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight & Governance
• Guide the strategic design, costing, and enhancement of benefits, pension, recognition, and ability management programs to ensure competitiveness and compliance.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and other business units to align advisory, transactional, and strategic functions across Total Rewards.
• Prepare governance materials and Board/Committee reports, translating complex data and insights into actionable recommendations for executive decision-making.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and market changes to ensure programs remain compliant and responsive to evolving needs.
• Provide governance oversight, policy interpretation, and risk management across all Total Rewards programs.
• Lead special projects and analysis related to program strategy, employee engagement, and sustainability.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer across HR and business units to embed consistent practices, standards, and institutional understanding of Total Rewards.
• Program Management
• Manage and oversee SAIT’s pension programs (defined benefit, defined contribution, savings, and supplemental plans) and benefits programs (health, dental, disability, and life), ensuring legislative compliance and operational excellence.
• Oversee ability management programs, including disability and leave administration, ensuring alignment with SAIT policies and employee wellbeing objectives.
• Partner with Finance and vendors to ensure sound fiscal governance, accurate forecasting, and accountability for budget and cost management.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance data accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.
• Conduct audits and data validation to ensure compliance and integrity across all Total Rewards systems.
• Prepare analytical reports and presentations summarizing utilization, cost trends, and program performance for HR leadership and governance bodies.
• Vendor Management
• Manage vendor relationships and support contract negotiations to ensure optimal value, service quality, and compliance with SAIT standards.
• Oversee performance evaluations and participate in consultant review sessions to ensure service delivery aligns with institutional objectives.
• Explore opportunities for innovation and digital solutions that enhance program delivery and employee experience.
• Education & Communications
• Design and deliver communication and education strategies that clearly explain Total Rewards programs to employees and leaders.
• Coordinate a comprehensive communication calendar for annual initiatives such as benefit renewals, pension education, and recognition campaigns.
• Partner with SAIT Communications to ensure consistent, branded messaging across platforms and employee touchpoints.
• Conduct internal training and knowledge-sharing sessions to build understanding of pension, benefits, and ability management frameworks across the organization.
• Data Analysis & Trends
• Build and maintain dashboards and reports to track utilization, costs, and engagement across Total Rewards programs.
• Conduct benchmarking and trend analysis to ensure programs remain competitive within the post-secondary and public-sector landscape.
• Use data visualization and storytelling to present findings that inform strategic and governance-level decisions.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Leverage HRIS and vendor systems to strengthen data integrity, reporting accuracy, and decision-making capabilities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business, Actuarial Science or related discipline required
• Advanced knowledge of benefits, pension, and wellbeing program design, including related legislation, regulatory compliance, and financial governance.
• Experience
• 5-7 years progressive experience in benefits, pension, and ability management or total rewards administration, governance and strategy
• 5-7 years demonstrating expertise in vendor management, plan governance, and implementation of complex program or policy changes
• 5-7 years experience in preparing materials and recommendations for executive or board-level review
• 5-7 years in coordinating cross-functional initiatives
• Designations & Certifications
• Completion of CPHR, CCP or CEBS designation

Technical Capabilities

• Advanced analytical, financial modeling, and reporting skills; strong understanding of benefits and pension legislation, risk management, and HRIS systems.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and optimizing program efficiency.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, collective agreements, policies and other compliance requirements
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects and workload independently
• Continuous improvement mindset, committed to staying abreast of related trends, research, and best practice

SAIT Core Capabilities

• Creativity – the willingness to experiment, improvise, innovate and imagine.
• Critical Thinking – analyzing, evaluating, synthesizing, and reconstructing information to make decisions
• Citizenship – facilitating the connection between people, society and the planet for the sustainability of cultural and environmental systems
• Curiosity – seeking out current information and experiences and strives for understanding.
• Connection – building effective relationships, collaborating and communicating with others across differences.

Job classification: P5954 - Sr Pension & Ben Specialist

Salary range: $90,000.00- $110,000.00

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Posting closing date: January 7th, 2026

About SAIT

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Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT.