Benefits, Pension & Payroll Manager
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Human Resources / Finance
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Benefits, Pension & Payroll Manager to lead the administration and oversight of employee benefits, pension programs, and payroll operations across our Canadian and U.S. workforce.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a detail-oriented HR/payroll professional who understands the complexities of Canadian and U.S. payroll, benefits, pension, taxation, compliance, and employee programs. The successful candidate will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing while managing benefit and pension programs and serving as a trusted resource to employees, HR, Finance, and senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities Payroll Management
Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for Canadian and U.S. employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
Manage payroll-related calculations, deductions, remittances, reconciliations, and reporting.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial/state, and local payroll legislation.
Oversee year-end processes, including T4s, T4As, RL-1s and U.S. W-2s and related reporting.
Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepancies.
Maintain strong payroll controls and ensure employee data is accurate and up to date.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, systems, and automation.
Benefits & Pension
Manage the administration of Canadian and U.S. employee benefit programs.
Oversee group benefits, retirement and pension programs, including enrolment, changes, eligibility, claims support, and employee inquiries.
Manage relationships with benefit carriers, pension providers, brokers, consultants, and other external partners.
Coordinate annual benefits renewals and support plan design and cost analysis.
Ensure benefit and pension programs comply with applicable legislation and plan requirements.
Prepare reports and analysis regarding benefit and pension costs, utilization, and trends.
Support employee education and communication regarding benefits and retirement programs.
Compliance & Advisory
Monitor changes to Canadian and U.S. payroll, benefits, pension, and employment-related legislation.
Ensure appropriate documentation, controls, policies, and procedures are maintained.
Provide guidance to HR and management on payroll, benefits, pension, and related compliance matters.
Support internal and external audits.
Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive employee and compensation information.
Leadership & Collaboration
Act as the subject-matter expert for Canadian and U.S. payroll and total rewards administration.
Provide guidance and support to HR, Finance, managers, and employees.
Lead and develop payroll/benefits team members as applicable.
Collaborate cross-functionally on HR initiatives, system implementations, acquisitions, organizational changes, and process improvements.
Deliver a high level of service while maintaining strong attention to detail and confidentiality.
Qualifications
7+ years of progressive experience in payroll, benefits, pension, or total rewards administration, preferably in a multi-jurisdictional environment.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with both Canadian and U.S. payroll and benefits.
Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll requirements, including CRA and provincial requirements.
Strong working knowledge of U.S. payroll and benefits requirements, including federal and state considerations.
Experience administering Canadian pension/retirement programs and U.S. retirement plans such as 401(k) is highly desirable.
Experience with Canadian and U.S. benefit plans and vendors.
Strong understanding of payroll taxation, deductions, remittances, year-end reporting, and reconciliations.
Experience with payroll and/or HRIS systems; experience implementing or optimizing systems is an asset.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
Professional payroll, HR, benefits, or pension designation (e.g., PCP, CPM, CEBS, CHRL/CPHR) is an asset.
Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline is preferred.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
Retirement and pension program.
Professional development opportunities.
A collaborative and professional work environment.
The opportunity to play a key role in supporting employees across Canada and the United States.
A role with significant responsibility and visibility across the organization.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Benefits, Pension, Payroll and total rewards professional with strong Canadian and U.S. experience and are looking for an opportunity to make an impact, we would like to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.