Manager Benefits US

Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) are now CPKC. As the only truly North American railway, we are making big moves! Drawing on our strong foundations and heritage, CPKC moves essential goods across our 20,000-mile network to support economic growth throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Be a part of history as we connect a continent and create exciting career opportunities across our new transnational network. Visit cpkcr.com to learn about the CPKC advantage, our purpose and culture.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

This position is responsible for the overall U.S Benefit program design and delivery for Non-Union, Union, International, COBRA and Retiree plans. In addition to medical/dental/vision programs, it also includes the oversight of various U.S Benefits policies and programs including but not limited to FMLA, Short and Long Term Disability.

This role ensures that all Benefit programs are performing as expected and meeting all governance and compliance requirements. It ensures all plans as operating competitively within market trends and best practices, while also controlling costs. This role negotiates coverage, services and costs with carriers and brokers and manages a high volume of vendor relationships. This role Interacts with key stakeholders such as Disability Management, Legal, Labor Relations Employee Services and Payroll and looks beyond existing methodologies and applies industry expertise to resolve complex issues.

This position is based in Kansas City, Missouri or Calgary, Alberta. 

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Oversight of all medical, dental, vision, voluntary benefits, leave of absence programs ( STD, LTD, FMLA) for U.S Non-Union, Union, COBRA, International and Retiree benefit plans
• Manage, implement, and revise as necessary the Company policies and procedures that support these programs
• Manage vendor relationships and strategy across all plans, including the execution and review of all plan contracts and compliance documents (SPDs, SBCs)
• Identifies opportunities and efficiencies within existing systems and programs and makes strategic recommendations for continuous improvements related to the performance of the programs
• Develop and implement benefit program strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall business strategy
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and efficient  leave of absence and disability management benefit program
• Resolve complex issues where analysis requires advanced analytical thought and judgment. Develop functional plans, including business, operational, and financial priorities that contribute to business strategy
• Manage and interpret benefits utilization data and financial reporting, oversight of monthly financial dashboard reporting and annual budgeting activities
• Manage escalations and provide issue resolutions for complex employee issues and inquiries
• Manage all annual compliance and regulatory obligations including but not limited to non-discrimination testing, form 5500 filings, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, plan audits, etc
• Effectively interpret FMLA and leave of absence and/or disability laws and best practices. Guide managers on employee/employer rights under FMLA
• Lead annual benefit plan renewals and enrollment activities
• Partner with Labor relations to lead analysis and prepare recommendations related to plan design changes as a result of Union collective bargaining
• Oversee monthly work history file reporting and approvals related to National Union benefit plan administration
• Develop communication and educational programs to increase employee engagement and effectiveness of  CPKC’s Total Rewards program
• Develop talent through leading and coaching a team of benefits professionals. This includes setting individual and team goals and objectives, providing timely feedback, training, mentorship to foster an environment of learning and growth
• Create and present executive presentations as required
• Assist the Director of North American Benefits with various projects and strategic initiatives as required

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in a job related major field of study
• GBA and/or CEBS Designation preferred
• Minimum ten (10) years of relevant professional experience, including leading and managing complex projects or programs with outcome-focused deliverables, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum three (3) years of direct leadership experience
• A demonstrable drive to understand and solve complex problems
• Solution focused – take initiative, enjoy the challenge of problem solving
• Ability to communicate issues, risks, results with management and stakeholders
• Attention to detail and respect for deadlines
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle changing priorities and fluctuating workloads
• Strong ability to lead, develop and motivate high performing teams
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical, problem solving, judgement and decision-making skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee Share Purchase Plan
• Performance Incentive Program
• Annual Fitness Subsidy
• Part-time Studies Program

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

As an employer with North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Drug Test Elements:

CPKC is committed to the safety and health of its employees and the general public.  New hires may be required to undergo a drug screen.  We appreciate your cooperation in keeping CPKC safe and drug free. 

Background Investigation:

The successful candidate will need to successfully complete the following clearances:         

• Criminal history check
• Reference check
• Driver’s License verification and/or last 3 years of driving history if a requirement of the position
• Background checks that may included 7 years of employment history and Social Security number verification

Management Conductor Program:

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

For our US applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities . For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including women, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

• Req ID: 102980
• Department: Human Resources
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 3
• Job Available to: Internal & External

#LI-ONSITE

#LI-JS1