Lead, Total Rewards

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Integrated Talent, this role provides strategic leadership for the Region’s Total Rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, recognition, job evaluation, and performance management. The Lead, Total Rewards is responsible for developing and modernizing programs that support organizational effectiveness, employee experience, and workforce sustainability. The role serves as the organization’s subject matter expert in compensation and benefits and partners closely with leaders across the organization to deliver practical, equitable, and data-informed solutions.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on compensation, benefits, job evaluation, and total rewards program design.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of total rewards strategies and programs, including:
  • compensation design and benchmarking
  • salary administration
  • benefits programs
  • recognition programs
  • paid time off programs
  • annual compensation and performance-related processes
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to leadership on compensation structures, organizational design considerations, and workforce-related impacts.
• Conduct and oversee job evaluations and maintain job evaluation and pay equity processes to support internal equity and legislative compliance.
• Monitor compensation and benefits trends, market practices, and legislative changes, recommending updates to policies, programs, and procedures as required.
• Lead compensation benchmarking initiatives and participate in external compensation networks and communities of practice.
• Partner with vendors and internal stakeholders to support benefits plan administration, renewals, and program enhancements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the implementation, configuration, and continuous improvement of SuccessFactors PMGM and Benefits modules, ensuring alignment between technology, business processes, and employee experience objectives.
• Collaborate across HR functions to strengthen employee lifecycle programs and ensure an integrated and consistent employee experience.
• Lead the development and implementation of the organization’s annual wellness framework and advance corporate wellness initiatives that support employee wellbeing, engagement, and organizational culture.
• Develop reports, presentations, and recommendations that translate complex information into clear and actionable insights for leadership.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Total Rewards team, including prioritization of work, coaching, and supporting achievement of team objectives.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented team culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills & Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess a relevant combination of education and progressive experience in compensation, benefits, and strategic human resources, including:

• Demonstrated experience developing and administering compensation and total rewards programs within a complex organization.
• Strong understanding of job evaluation methodologies, pay equity, salary administration, and compensation best practices.
• Experience leading or supporting HR systems implementations and process modernization initiatives, preferably within SAP SuccessFactors.
• Knowledge of SuccessFactors PMGM and/or Benefits modules considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, identify trends, and provide practical recommendations that support organizational and employee experience objectives.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present recommendations and complex concepts clearly to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and partner effectively with leaders, employees, vendors, and HR teams.

Additional Skills and Qualifications

• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Foundational understanding of municipal budgeting processes and employment-related financial impacts.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and creating workplace environments where employees feel supported and valued.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an organizational culture built on collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Preferred:

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
• Experience working in the municipal or broader public sector environment considered an asset.