Manager, Benefits

Groupe Dynamite Inc. (GDI) is a Montréal-based, public company of integrated omni-channel brands, designing and distributing accessible, trend-forward fashion for women since 1975.

Our mission of "Empowering YOU to be YOU, one outfit at a time" is brought to life through the GARAGE and DYNAMITE banners and represents the consumer-centric core of GDI's long-standing success as a leading retailer in North America.

Today, GDI operates nearly 300 stores across Canada and the United States, as well as shoppable brand experiences at Garageclothing.com and Dynamiteclothing.com.

Job Summary:

As our Group Benefits Manager, you’ll lead the strategy, design, and delivery of our pension and benefits programs across Canada and the U.S., oversee our pension arrangements in the U.K., and help shape how we take care of our people as we grow into new global markets. Reporting to our Sr. Director, Total Rewards, you’ll make sure our programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and easy for employees to understand and value.

This is a great fit for a hands-on benefits leader who is just as comfortable in the details of a carrier renewal as in a strategy conversation with senior leadership, and who is excited to build a scalable, multi-country function.

Main Responsibilities:

• Own the strategy, design, and governance of our group benefits and retirement programs in Canada and the U.S., and our pension arrangements in the U.K., keeping them competitive, sustainable, and aligned with our Total Rewards philosophy;
• Lead and develop our benefits team, consisting of three Group Benefits Specialists, setting priorities, coaching for growth, and building processes that scale;
• Lead annual renewals and market reviews with brokers, insurers, and consultants, analyzing claim experience, negotiating terms, and recommending plan changes that balance cost and value;
• Oversee pension and retirement plan governance across our Canadian retirement plans, U.S. 401(k), and U.K. workplace pension, including committee support, fund monitoring with our advisors, and fiduciary obligations;
• Keep us compliant across jurisdictions, from federal, provincial and state duties while staying ahead of legislative change;
• Manage our vendor ecosystem end-to-end (carriers, brokers, recordkeepers, TPAs, and actuaries), including contracts, service levels, and performance reviews;
• Partner with Finance on benefits budgets, cost forecasting, and year-end reporting, and build the analytics that show how our programs are performing;
• Support our expansion into new global markets by benchmarking local practices and statutory requirements, and setting up compliant, competitive benefits and pension offerings with the right partners;
• Partner with HR Technology and Payroll to keep benefits data, carrier feeds, and deductions accurate, and to bring in digital solutions that simplify the employee experience;
• Lead benefits and retirement communications, including open enrollment, retirement readiness, and financial wellbeing, so employees understand and value what we offer;
• Prepare clear analyses and recommendations for the Sr. Director, Total Rewards and senior leadership.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of progressive group benefits and pension experience, including at least 2 years leading people or programs;
• Deep knowledge of Canadian group benefits and pension plans, with working knowledge of U.S. benefits (ERISA, ACA, 401(k)), exposure to U.K. pensions or other international markets is a strong asset;
• A track record of leading renewals, plan design changes, and vendor negotiations, with strong financial acumen around claims, pricing, and budgets;
• Experience overseeing retirement plan governance and working with pension committees, actuaries, and investment advisors;
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field–CEBS, GBA, RPA, or a PMI qualification is an asset;
• Strong analytical skills, advanced Excel, plus experience with HRIS (UKG is a real plus) and reporting tools such as Power BI;
• An excellent communicator who can turn complex technical concepts into clear recommendations for employees and executives alike;
• Bilingualism (French and English) is required for daily communication with suppliers, employees, and stakeholders, both within and outside of Quebec;
• Integrity and values that align with our corporate culture;
• A collaborative spirit and positive energy that make you adaptable, accountable, and generous with your time and support.

At GDI, you will be part of a growing organization that understands the importance of investing in people and offers you:

• A comprehensive compensation package that includes performance-driven bonuses;
• A group retirement savings program with employer matching;
• Flexible group insurance with personalized coverage that meets your needs;
• An employee discount at Garage and Dynamite;
• Exclusive private sample sales;
• A flexible vacation policy;
• And more!

GDI has been repeatedly voted one of Montréal’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

Our promise…
No day will be like the last - we aim to be better today than we were yesterday. We are committed to employment equity.

Candidates that are retained will be called for an interview.