This role has firmwide responsibility for the administration and management of group insurance benefits and leave programs. The successful incumbent will be experienced in running regular and annual benefit cycles (including annual re-enrollment) for self-administered group plans along with strong experience in in-house or third-party disability management, ideally in a mid- to large-sized organization. Delivering exceptional client experience, the ability to guide and coach people, a process improvement mindset, and being a subject matter expert in all things benefits are key factors to success in this role. As a Manager, Benefits your responsibilities will include: • Manage the administration of benefits, retirement plans and leave programs for colleagues across Canada • Manage insurer and vendor relationships, including SLA monitoring and scheduling regular experience and trend review meetings • Directly manage the disability adjudication and management process through a third-party service provider and insurer, monitor process and service quality to ensure a fair and consistent approach, and create insightful reports to highlight trends and potential improvement in support systems • Oversee the monthly benefits billing process and manage regular and off-system premium reconciliations and related cost and actuals-to-budget analyses • Assist with plan design considerations and costing, annual renewal negotiations, and the annual re-enrollment cycle • Assist with the annual contract negotiation process and with market positioning reviews • Primary contact for Partner benefits and programs • Contribute to the optimization and enhancement of benefits-related systems and tools to improve the user experience and knowledge, manage system updates and testing, and update benefits and program policy and related material on the firm's intranet site. • Support benefits and wellness initiatives and participate in special/ad-hoc projects • Manage, coach and develop direct report(s) and provide expert guidance on benefits and programs policies, legislation, and processes to various internal client groups, and ensure compliance with applicable legislation and internal firm policies and processes. Think you've got what it takes to be a Manager, Benefits? Like the colour purple? Great. Here's a few more boxes we're also hoping you can tick: • Undergraduate degree or diploma in any discipline. A CEBS or equivalent designation is preferred, and an HR or Compensation designation will be beneficial • 7-10+ years of experience in benefits administration, ideally with self-administered plans. People management experience of at least 3 years is preferred • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong proficiency in Excel/ Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems (particularly Workday) • Excellent people management, communication and interpersonal skills, and proven experience with delivering credible, expert advice to all levels of client groups, including senior leadership, along with a high degree of confidentiality, empathy and tact • Ability to thrive in a busy environment and flexibility to work beyond regular business hours as needed. • Strong knowledge of Canadian employment legislation and current benefits and wellness trends What's in it for you? Profit sharing, Flex days, RRSP contributions, Firmwide holiday closure, Wellness benefits, Concierge-like benefits, Work from anywhere in Canada in the summer for 4 weeks, and more! At Doane Grant Thornton, we believe compensation should reflect more than just market data-it should reflect you. We're serious about compensation. We benchmark regularly across a wide spectrum of roles, industries, sectors, and levels to ensure our ranges are both competitive and current. But we don't stop there. We also consider the unique strengths, experiences, and impact each individual brings to the table. Our salary ranges are reviewed annually, and where you land within the range depends on a mix of factors-your background, your skills, and how your contributions align with internal equity. To help start the conversation, the current salary range for this role is $87,500-$120,000 in Toronto, ON. If the role is available in other locations, the range may differ to reflect local market factors. Our special culture shines through when we have the opportunity to connect in person. That's why we're working in a model where teams are required to be together in the office 4 days per week.