Benefits Specialist

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.

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.

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.

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.

About Calgary Co-op

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.