Senior Manager, Benefits

Job Summary The incumbent is primarily responsible for leading CN’s benefits programs in Canada and the US. The role is accountable for overseeing the strategy of group benefits, global mobility, FMLA(US) and disability management programs (referred to as Benefits). Acting as Subject Matter Expert (SME), the incumbent advises and provides recommendations for changes based on best practice in close collaboration with various CN stakeholders. Main Responsibilities• Design, evaluate, propose and oversee the implementation of Benefits programs with external stakeholders and ensure offers are competitive and support long term goals• Oversee offering, renewal, and enrollment of Canadian and US Benefits plans • Responsible for the short- and long-term disability management process for unionized and management employees and in close collaboration with the Occupational Health Service (OHS) team • Oversee the management of external vendors ( insurers, administrators, consultants) including services, fees, deliverables, issues, marketing and implementation • Lead the Benefits strategy (including communication and data strategy), maintain metrics on benefit costs and trends, and prepare recommendations for improvements and cost-saving measures in line with Benefits • Ensure compliance with regulations requirements • Lead revision of programs to ensure continued support and fulfilment of employee needs by taking an innovative and forward-looking approach that is financially sound. • Collaborate with stakeholders and build relationships to leverage, educate, communicate and ensure understanding of non-cash value of benefits provided • Liaise with internal stakeholders ( OHS, Human Resources, Finance, Legal, Labor Relations, etc.) regarding Benefits • Lead joint committees with unions, develop benefit negotiation strategy and support Labor relations in negotiations and costings • Work with consultants to carry out benchmark analysis and review trends relevant to CN to ensure programs remain competitive Working Conditions The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday and is eligible to participate in CN’s hybrid work policy. The role requires minimal travel across Canada and the US. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines and handle pressure. Requirements Experience • Minimum 15 years of experience overseeing Canadian and/or US benefits o Experience designing and structuring tailored Benefits programs o Experience implementing benefits solutions based on company needs o Experience communicating employee Benefits programs and enrollment processes o Experience dealing with vendors and managing associated contracts o Experience leading teams of professionals Education/Certification/Designation • Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science, Finance, or Human Resources • Associate or Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and Society of Actuaries* • Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)* Any designation or qualification marked with an asterisk (*) will be regarded as an asset. Competencies • Collaborates with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity and drive results effectively • Builds and maintains an internal network to support a better overall work experience • Fosters diverse representation, and diversity of thought and experience as a strategic advantage • Shows initiative and empowers others to raise CN’s collective game • Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts to the audience • Initiates and drives organizational changes to enable business transformation • Knows the business and stays current with industry trends to elevate expertise and work• Influences by translating expertise into practical business outcomes • Applies analytical thinking and problem solving to make recommendations that pursue sustainable performance • Continuously innovates to create value, without compromising on safety and quality Technical Skills/Knowledge • Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)* • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point) • Knowledge of Workday, Success Factors, and Systems, Applications and Products (SAP)* Any designation or qualification marked with an asterisk (*) will be regarded as an asset.