Are you passionate about supporting employees through every stage of their journey? Calgary Co-op is looking for a detail-oriented and people-first Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources team.
In this role, you'll be the go-to expert for employees navigating group benefits, pension programs, and leaves of absence. You'll bring accuracy, empathy, and expertise to every interaction — whether you're onboarding a new employee to their benefits, supporting someone through a disability claim, or partnering with our Ability Management & Wellness team on return-to-work programs.
Responsibilities
Benefits, Pension, Leave and Disability Administration
- Administer employee group benefit and pension programs in accordance with collective agreements, company policies, and applicable legislation.
- Coordinate and administer benefit and pension enrollments, changes, terminations, reinstatements, and coverage adjustments related to employment status changes and all types of leaves, including WCB, LTD, maternity/parental, medical, personal, and unpaid leaves.
- Maintain, audit, reconcile, and monitor employee benefit and pension records, coverage, deductions, and premium payments within the HRIS to ensure accuracy and data integrity.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee, manager, and stakeholder inquiries regarding benefit and pension eligibility, coverage, claims, premiums, and leave-related impacts.
- Liaise with benefit carriers, disability providers, pension administrators, payroll, and internal stakeholders to coordinate benefit administration, resolve discrepancies, and support disability claims and return-to-work transitions.
Partner with the Ability Management & Wellness team to support disability management, accommodation, and return-to-work programs.
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Reporting, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Prepare reports, conduct audits, and analyze benefit and disability-related data to support plan administration, cost management, budgeting, and compliance monitoring.
- Develop and deliver employee and manager education, training, and communication materials to promote understanding of benefits, pension, and leave programs.
- Support benefits program integration activities, including system testing, enrollment activities, and stakeholder communications.
- Assist with benefit plan reviews, renewals, vendor evaluations, and continuous improvement of benefit and leave administration processes.
- Maintain confidentiality of employee information and ensure all activities comply with applicable legislation, collective agreements, and privacy requirements.
- Stay current on industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices related to benefits, disability management, pension, and leave management.
Participate in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) initiatives and promote compliance with policies and legislation.
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Qualifications
Required
- Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in employee benefits administration.
- Customer-focused orientation with a commitment to providing exceptional service.
- Experience administering group benefit plans, disability programs, and leave-related benefits.
- Experience conducting benefit reviews, audits, and data analysis.
- Knowledge of Oracle Cloud or an equivalent Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
- Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise diplomacy, tact, and professionalism.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
Experience interpreting policies, procedures, and collective agreement provisions related to benefits and leaves.
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Preferred
- Related post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS).
- Experience working within a unionized environment and interpreting Collective Agreements.
- Experience administering WCB, disability, and leave management programs.
- Experience working in a retail, distribution, or multi-location organization.
Knowledge of pension administration and group insurance programs.
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About Calgary Co-op
www.calgarycoop.com
Owned by members, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America, proudly serving Calgary and surrounding communities. With a focus on exceptional customer service, community investment, and employee engagement, we are committed to creating a workplace where our team members can thrive and grow.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.
