Specialist Benefits

Hiring Salary Range: $ 74200 - 97000

This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits and other perks.

At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together—by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.

Join us today and get your career moving!

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for administering Canada and US group benefits plans including support and resolution of benefits-related issues. The incumbent ensures data and coverage accuracy in payroll system and in external providers systems, manages interfaces with multiple carriers, and answers employees' inquiries. The role also provides resolution, supports disability cases and coordinates with internal and external parties. The incumbent advises and provides recommendations for issues related to benefits.

Main Responsibilities

Data and Interface Management

• Lead benefit enrollment tool used by employees to update benefit coverage; recommend improvements and implement changes in collaboration with Information and Technology (Technology)
• Oversee interfaces with external vendors, review error reports, resolve issues, and implement changes with Technology, considering multiple groups and carriers
• Lead master data management (benefit coverage, status, pay deductions, cost sharing)
• Perform data accuracy activities in SAP and with insurers, ensuring coverage aligns with collective agreements and insurer contracts
• Perform periodic data audits and apply corrections and changes in a timely manner
• Lead and implement ongoing benefit changes in SAP and with insurers, considering group and plan differences

Employee Support

• Provide support and guidance to employees across Canada and the US for all group benefit requests and issues
• Provide accurate responses and issue resolution within a unionized and non-unionized environment
• Perform corresponding changes or fixes in systems and with insurers (eligibility, life events, dependent/student updates, forms, beneficiaries, coverage information, data issues, etc.)
• Handle recurring special and complex situations such as denial following employment termination and requests for lifetime maximum increases
• Make recommendations for exceptions and process improvements

General Benefits Coordination

• Carry out benefit-related administrative tasks and coordinate with Technology, Payroll, Human Resources (HR) and Labour Relations (LR) as required
• Update internal and insurer booklets to reflect benefit changes
• Oversee non-union and union representative benefits and payments, including eligibility letters and premium payments
• Handle pay direct arrangements for coverage continuation situations
• Provide support to HR and LR for union negotiations
• Maintain and update benefits information available to employees
• Participate in quality and continuous improvement initiatives

Manage Death and Disability Claims

• Manage death claim processes and coordinate with insurers, HR Managers, third-party administrators and beneficiaries; confirm benefit amounts according to collective agreements and eligibility rules
• Provide support to HR Managers, employees and unions on disability claims, required actions and dispute resolution
• Coordinate with involved parties (HR, LR, employee, Union, RTW, OHS) on disability cases requiring escalation
• Notify appropriate parties of declined or terminated claims and claims transitioning from STD to LTD to ensure employees are tracked and supported
• Request and ensure appropriate staffing for long-term disability cases
• Handle disability cases with empathy and coordinate with providers and other parties

Manage Post-Retirement Benefits

• Administer post-retirement benefits including preparing and sending benefit information based on eligibility and group
• Set up life insurance coverage with insurers, prepare premium billings, process payments, and calculate annual taxable benefits with Payroll
• Maintain retiree data and eligibility, handle death claims, answer questions and resolve issues

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 model. The role involves managing priorities and delivering work within established timelines, with support from the team to ensure sustainable and effective workload management.

Experience

Benefits

• Minimum 2-5 years of experience in benefits
• Relevant experience in group insurance programs or benefit administration
• Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered

Education/Certification/Designation

• College Diploma in Administration, or Bachelor Degree in Actuarial Science, Human Resources or equivalent
• Candidates with equivalent practical experience, education, or training will be considered

Competencies

• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together
• We Lead Responsibly
• Business acumen
• Customer service
• Process optimization
• Planning
• Stakeholder management

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Good knowledge of Benefits including general provisions, rules and premium calculation
• Good knowledge of Excel*
• Knowledge of SAP*

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).

Additional Information (If Any)

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at [email protected].

As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

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