Position Summary
Temporary Full-Time Administration, replacement contract position (December 1, 2026 - December 1, 2028)
Reporting to the Director, Total Rewards, the Total Rewards Consultant provides specialized expertise in compensation, job evaluation, classification, benefits administration, and pension programs. The incumbent will assist in the creation and writing of job descriptions, conduct position evaluations using established job classification systems, carry out reviews, maintain records and monitor consistency of classifications.
This role serves as the primary point of contact for employee and retiree benefits, pension, and leave-related inquiries. The Consultant is responsible for administering benefit and pension programs, ensuring compliance with collective agreements and applicable policies, and providing guidance to Human Resources staff and managers on compensation and classification matters. The position also supports academic wage calculations and maintains accurate records and reporting related to total rewards programs.
Successful candidates will be required to conduct work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus as required. It is anticipated that this position will meet the needs of the department through a hybrid work arrangement, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with one day on-site at 3065 King St. in Kitchener, and four days remote.
Responsibilities
Job evaluation, classification, and compensation
- Collaborate with managers and Human Resources staff to review, and revise job descriptions
- Evaluate and classify support staff and administrative positions using established job evaluation methodologies
- Conduct internal and external market analyses to support equitable and competitive compensation practices
- Respond to requests related to job descriptions, position evaluation documentation, and classification records
- Support classification grievance processes through documentation, research, coaching, and participation in meetings
- Provide advice and training to managers and Human Resources staff regarding job evaluation methodologies, classification outcomes, and compensation practices
- Complete academic wage calculations and maintain related documentation and records
- Develop, maintain, and communicate job evaluation, classification, and wage calculation procedures
- Prepare reports and provide analysis on pay bands, compensation trends, and job evaluation matters
Benefits And Pension Administration
- Administer group insurance, pension, disability, and retirement programs for eligible employees and retirees
- Maintain accurate employee benefit and pension records within College and third-party systems, including ADP, Sun Life, and CAAT Pension Plan platforms
- Determine employee eligibility, waiting periods, coverage options, and enrolment requirements
- Coordinate benefit enrolments, changes, terminations, and retiree coverage in accordance with plan provisions and legislative requirements
- Monitor eligibility for partial-load employees and provide timely enrolment information and support
- Track retiree and dependent eligibility, ensuring coverage changes are communicated and implemented accurately
- Resolve benefit-related inquiries and work with providers to address complex claims issues
- Calculate life insurance entitlements and administer related processes, including notices of conversion and death benefit claims
- Communicate annual premium and coverage updates to active employees and retirees
Employee leaves and retirement support
- Administer benefit and pension arrangements associated with employee leaves
- Monitor benefit premium payments for employees on leave and ensure ongoing compliance with plan requirements
- Provide employees with information regarding the impact of leaves on benefits and pension participation
- Respond to inquiries regarding pension contributions, retirement planning considerations, and tax implications
- Meet with employees approaching retirement to explain retirement processes and available options
- Monitor vacation banks for administrative and support staff employees
Qualifications
- Three-year diploma or degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labour Relations, or a related field
- Minimum five years of progressive experience in compensation, job evaluation, benefits administration, or total rewards, preferably within a complex unionized environment
- CHRP or CHRL designation (completed or in progress) is considered an asset
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, with a high level of attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to interpret policies, collective agreements, and related legislation
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
