Director, Pension, Benefits & Payroll Services

About Brock University

Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement. We are one of Canada’s outstanding comprehensive universities, where excellence and innovation thrive ! Brock has been recognized as a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara for seven consecutive years. We have been ranked #3 as Canada’s Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity. For 2025, Brock has been proudly recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Company Culture, ranked seventh by Forbes in partnership with Statista. At Brock, you will find a welcoming, inclusive community and an exciting range of meaningful career opportunities. Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.

Post End Date

May 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Job Advertisement

This job advertisement is to fill an existing vacancy in the Administrative Professional (Employee Group)

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer & Associate Vice-President, People & Culture, the Director, Pension, Benefits & Payroll Services is accountable for the strategy, sustainability, design and operational effectiveness of Brock’s pension, benefits and payroll programs, including the delivery, planning and communication of each program. The position is responsible to ensure programs are aligned with the Brock’s People Strategy and are market competitive, cost-effective, fair and in compliance with established policies, procedures, collective agreements and legislative requirements. The Director, Pension, Benefits & Payroll Services also provides expert advice on areas of responsibility and recommends decisions with long-term financial impacts to senior leadership, Committees, and the Board of Trustees.

The Director, Pension, Benefits & Payroll Services will:

• Lead the effective delivery and sustainability of Brock’s pension, benefits and payroll programs;
• Identify opportunities for changes to programs, and lead the implementation and communication of changes as the primary project lead;
• Lead annual plan design, pricing, strategy, rate setting and underwriting renewal process for benefits providers;
• Develop and maintain relationships with, and monitor performance of, external service providers and agencies on behalf of Brock University;
• Oversee financial analysis of scenarios to determine cost-implications of plan changes, plan administration, legislative changes and/or changes to administrative practices;
• Enact processes and controls to mitigate risks related to pension, benefits and payroll programs, including developing auditing frameworks;
• Work closely with senior leaders and Board members, providing advice and acting as an expert to support University decision-making and program changes;
• Contribute to the Office of People & Culture’s planning, identifying long-term initiatives related to pension, benefits and payroll that supports Brock’s People Strategy, and mitigates university risk;
• Oversee pension, benefits, and payroll functions to ensure process documentation remains current, and approve or implement changes to administrative practices as needed;
• Ensure data integrity, including the implementation of effective process and system controls to support the collection and reporting of such data;
• Establish relevant metrics, and benchmark processes to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services;
• Manage Pension Committee operations, serve as lead university representative on the Joint Benefits Committee and attend Board Committee meetings;
• Develop an annual budget for pension, benefits and payroll accounts and actively monitor any differences between estimated and actual expenditures.

Key Skills and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. Business Administration, Psychology, Communications, Social Sciences), preferably with a concentration in Human Resources Management, or the equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered;
• Progressive, well rounded and relevant human resources experience;
• Experience in a managerial role responsible for pension, benefits or payroll, with supervisory accountability, preferably at a senior level;
• Expert knowledge of benefits administration, pension administration and payroll administration;
• Thorough understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and regulatory bodies (e.g. Income Tax Act, Canada Revenue Agency, Pension Benefits Act, etc.);
• Specialized knowledge of hybrid pension plan operation;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in all communications;
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects from conception to implementation and work effectively with employees at all levels;
• Advanced knowledge and use of computer applications including MS Office suite, HRIS; understanding of general database and data warehouse principles;
• Promotes and embodies inclusivity and respect within the workplace and the broader community;
• Ability to lead, manage, and motivate teams to achieve results while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong, strategic relationships at all levels of the organization;
• Ability to respond promptly and effectively to legislative changes, and monitor trends and best practices in relevant areas/industries;
• Strong strategic planning and conceptual skills, with the ability to design and lead new initiatives through appropriate governance and approval processes;
• Demonstrated ability to assess and model costs associated with initiatives, scenarios, and proposed changes.

Preferred or Asset Skills

• Understanding of post-secondary governance models;
• Preferred CHRL or Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation;
• HR experience working in a unionized (multi-union) environment; and
• Demonstrated experience in a public sector or educational environment.

Salary and Total Rewards

• Job Grade Q, Salary Scale ($110,092-$178,528);
• Target Hiring Range: $110,092-$132,000;
• This is a permanent position that includes:
• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available but will be required on campus for some time each week and for specific meetings.
• Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program.

*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.

We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy . As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed.

Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups . We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodat e the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code . Please contact talent@brocku.ca if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure you r participation needs are met.

Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process. We appreciate all applications received . C andidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca .