Pension Specialist

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Pension Manager, the Pension Specialist is responsible for the accurate and efficient administration and compliance of the organization’s pension plans. This role is responsible for the effective administration of both qualifying (Defined Contribution (DC), Defined Benefit (DB)) and non-qualifying plans (Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)), ensuring accuracy in participant records, and providing exceptional service to employees and retirees.

The Pension Specialist will be responsible to maintain accurate records, pension plan administration for the various plans and coordinate with third-party vendors to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, the role involves assisting with audits, preparing reports, and supporting participants in understanding and optimizing their retirement benefits.

With an understanding of qualifying and non-qualifying plans, the Pension Specialist also serves as a resource for retirement planning, guiding participants through complex processes and plan options. This position requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in HR Systems, and advanced expertise in Excel for data analysis and reporting. This position requires strong attention to detail, exceptional critical thinking skills, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse stakeholders.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by April 23. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount
Base Salary: $59,000 – $87,000 CAD base pay annually

The above base salary reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. The base salary offered may vary based on a variety of factors including skills, experience, education, training, job- related knowledge, and other organizational requirements. For part-time roles, salaries are adjusted according to scheduled hours.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

Plan Administration

• Responsible for the day-to-day administration of multiple pension plans, including DB, DC, and US plans.
• Responsible for the administration of qualifying and non-qualifying plans, in both Canada. and the US ensuring accurate and timely processing of contributions and relevant administrative requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date participant records and ensure data integrity across multiple systems.
• Review and share pension plan transactions with key vendors, including enrollments, contributions, and terminations.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure data integrity and resolve discrepancies,
• Liaise with third-party record keepers to manage plan operations effectively.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of pension administration processes.
• Prepare compliance reporting for review of the manager.
• Monitor plan operations to adhere to applicable legislation and corporate policies.
• Provide exceptional service to employees and retirees by answering inquiries about benefits, eligibility, and options.
• Conduct informational sessions or create resources to educate employees on their retirement benefits.
• Collaborate with third-party administrators, actuaries, and auditors to ensure seamless plan operations and compliance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external vendors, ensuring service level agreements are met.
• Liaise with internal HR teams, payroll, and finance departments to support integrated benefit administration.
• Prepare detailed reports and dashboards on plan performance, participation, and other relevant data.
• Support governance initiatives, such as audits or systematic reviews of pension data.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure effective governance of pension plans.
• Participation in projects related to plan design, amendments, or system implementation.
• Stay updated on industry trends and legislative changes to provide recommendations for plan enhancements.

What You’ll Bring:

• Proficient in administering DB pension plans; some experience in administering DC pension plans.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel (e.g., advanced formulas, data analysis) with solid experience in other Microsoft Office products including Word, PowerPoint, Power BI.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to ensure accuracy in data and resolve discrepancies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for participant correspondence and stakeholder interaction.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Customer-focused approach to addressing employee inquiries and providing clear explanations of plan details.
• Team player with the ability to collaborate with vendors, actuaries, and internal departments.
• Strong understanding of pension legislation, compliance requirements and best practices.
• Awareness of trends and updates in pension and retirement planning.
• Basic understanding of actuarial principles and how they apply to pension plan funding and benefits.
• Familiarity with governance processes, including internal audits, pension audits and systematic data reviews.

Experience and Education

• A degree in a related field such as HR, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Economics.
• Pursuing Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), or Pension Plan Administration Certificate (PPAC) designation(s).
• Minimum 3 -5 years’ administrative experience with DB plans, and a minimum of 1-2 years’ administrative experience with DC plans and RRSPs. A strong understanding of the distinctions between these plan types, such as tax advantages and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in preparing regulatory filings and in working through audits.
• Comfortable working with third-party vendors and acting as a resource for employees and retirees.
• Familiarity with US based retirement plans, including 401(k) and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, an asset.
• Proficient working knowledge of HR Information systems.

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, ‘speaker series’ events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.

About Us:

We’re a carbon neutral food company on a purposeful journey to Raise the Good in Food through better nutrition, safer food and workplaces, more humane animal care, and environmental sustainability efforts that protect our planet. We care about our communities and commit to reducing food insecurity in Canada. Join us on the journey. Let’s build a better future, together.

We’re passionate about food. For more than 100 years, we’ve made delicious, healthy protein that Canadians love under iconic national and regional brands, like Maple Leaf®, Schneiders®, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co.® We’re on a journey to become the most sustainable protein company – not just in Canada – but on earth.

• We are carbon neutral.
• We are one of the only food companies in Canada to set science-based targets.

We’re a global food company with approximately 10,000 team members. We operate sites in 20+ locations across Canada. We also have locations in the U.S. and Mexico, and do business in Asia.

A diverse and inclusive work environment

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision and living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values. We believe in building, investing in, recognizing, and rewarding remarkable people who value an inclusive workplace, embrace all forms of diversity, and commit to including every voice in our collaborative environment. We’re so much stronger when we know we’re accepted and valued for who we are and what we each bring to the workplace.

We embrace a strong, values-based culture

Our eight Leadership Values are our north star. They guide the decisions we make for all our stakeholders: our consumers, our customers, our people, our communities, our shareholders, and the environment.

• Doing What’s Right
• Shared Value
• High Performance
• Diverse and Inclusive Teams
• Disciplined Decision Making
• Our Accountability
• Intense Curiosity
• Transparency and Humility

We thank all applicants for their interest in exploring employment opportunities with Maple Leaf Foods; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be subject to a background check and must meet the security criteria designated for the position.

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision, living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values, and delivering winning results. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired; please contact our Talent Attraction Team at accommodations@mapleleaf.com.

The above base salary reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. The base salary offered may vary based on a variety of factors including skills, experience, education, training, job- related knowledge, and other organizational requirements. For part-time roles, salaries are adjusted according to scheduled hours.

Disclaimer: Please note that salaries posted on sites other than the MLF Careers Page are not a reflection of Maple Leaf Foods and are an estimated salary range provided by that particular job board. Maple Leaf Foods offers competitive wages and an attractive total rewards package, which will be discussed during an interview with our Talent Team.