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).