Director, Total Rewards and HR Systems

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About Our Client: Our client is a Canadian media company.

Position Scope:

Responsible for the review, design, and implementation of a total rewards philosophy of compensation, benefit and wellness strategies that attract, retain and motivate top talent while aligning to the organization’s budget and goals. This role also ensures regulatory compliance, data-driven decision making and an overall approach that supports diversity, equity and inclusion and enhances the employee experience.

This role reports to the EVP, Human Resources and is a hybrid position requiring in-office attendance at the head office in Toronto for a minimum of three (3) days per week.

Core Responsibilities and Duties:

Total Rewards Strategy and Compensation Programs

Partner with the EVP, Human Resources to develop, review, and enhance compensation programs, including base pay, incentive plans, commission structures, equity programs, and executive compensation recommendations.
Conduct market analyses and participate in external salary surveys to ensure compensation programs remain competitive and aligned with business objectives.
Provide compensation analysis and recommendations related to promotions, organizational changes, job evaluations, and other compensation requests.
Serve as a trusted resource to HR Business Partners, HR Directors, and business leaders on compensation-related matters.
Support the administration of long-term incentive and equity programs, including associated systems and reporting requirements.

Compensation Planning and Analytics

Lead the annual compensation review and bonus administration processes, including merit increase planning, budgeting support, and compensation analysis.
Develop tools, guidelines, and reporting to support compensation decision-making across the organization.
Analyze compensation, workforce, and market data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas of risk.
Prepare compensation reports, presentations, and supporting materials for senior leadership and other stakeholders.

Benefits and Wellness Programs

Partner with the EVP, Human Resources to review, evaluate, and administer employee benefit, wellness, retirement, leave, and insurance programs.
Manage relationships with brokers, consultants, and vendors to ensure competitive and cost-effective program offerings.
Support annual benefits renewals, plan design reviews, employee communications, and vendor performance management.
Evaluate employee wellness initiatives and recommend enhancements that align with organizational culture and employee needs.

H.R. Systems and Process Improvement

Provide oversight and strategic direction for HR systems, ensuring data integrity, system optimization, and effective utilization of HR technology.
Partner with Payroll, IT, and external vendors on system enhancements, upgrades, implementations, and process improvements.
Lead or participate in HR technology projects, including HRIS, payroll, compensation, and reporting system implementations.
Develop and maintain reporting capabilities that support workforce planning, compensation analysis, compliance, and business decision-making.

Compliance and Governance

Ensure compliance with applicable employment, compensation, benefits, and pay transparency regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
Lead or support compliance initiatives, including Pay Equity, government reporting, audits, and regulatory requirements.
Serve as a key resource for compensation and benefits information requests related to audits, insurance providers, pension/RRSP/401(k) plans, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Maintain policies, practices, and documentation that support compliance and governance requirements.

Mergers, Acquisitions and Special Projects

Support mergers, acquisitions, and integration activities related to compensation, benefits, HR systems, and workforce data.
Participate in cross-functional HR initiatives and strategic projects that enhance organizational effectiveness and employee experience.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of total rewards programs, HR systems, and HR processes through research, analysis, and industry best practices.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
CHRL, CCP, CEBS, SHRM, or other related professional designation considered an asset.
8–12+ years of progressive experience in compensation, benefits, total rewards, HR systems, or related HR leadership roles.
Strong knowledge of compensation design, market analysis, benefits administration, and HR systems.
Experience managing compensation review cycles, salary benchmarking, incentive programs, and benefits administration.
Demonstrated experience with HRIS and payroll systems, including system implementations and upgrades.
Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to interpret complex workforce and compensation data.
Knowledge of employment, compensation, benefits, and pay equity legislation across multiple jurisdictions.
Excellent project management, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
Curiosity and interest in emerging HR technologies, AI, and data-driven HR practices.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please send a resume to Allison Dwyer at dwyer@summitsearchgroup.com

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.