The Opportunity
Reporting to the Director, Human Resources, the Manager, Pension, Benefits & Payroll leads a team of professionals responsible for South Bow’s pension, benefits and payroll programs across Canada and the United States. The role also provides leadership oversight for HRIS activities in partnership with IT. This position offers the opportunity to shape program strategy, enhance the employee experience, develop a high-performing team, and modernize service delivery while maintaining competitive, compliant and effective programs.
What You Bring
You are an experienced pension, benefits or payroll leader who combines broad programming knowledge with strategic thinking, sound judgment and a practical, employee-focused approach. You are comfortable leading people and programs in a complex, cross-border environment, building strong partnerships and translating business needs into clear priorities and sustainable solutions.
What You'll Do
- Set the direction and priorities for pension, benefits and payroll programs in Canada and the United States, aligning them with South Bow’s business and people objectives.
- Lead and develop the team, establishing clear priorities, accountabilities, and a collaborative, service-oriented culture.
- Oversee program and payroll delivery, ensuring employees and leaders receive accurate, timely and practical support, including guidance on complex or sensitive matters.
- Evaluate employee needs, market practices, costs and emerging trends, and recommend program changes that support competitiveness, sustainability and employee experience.
- Manage third-party administrators, carriers, consultants and other service providers, with accountability for service performance, issue resolution and continuous improvement.
- Lead program communications, education and decision-support resources that help employees and leaders understand and effectively use South Bow’s programs.
- Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, Tax, IT and business leaders to deliver coordinated solutions and support organizational priorities.
- Oversee pension, benefits, and payroll programs, ensuring financial stewardship and compliance with Canadian and U.S. regulatory requirements.
- Develop recommendations and materials for senior leadership and the Pension Committee.
- Oversee HRIS and technology enhancements in partnership with IT and vendors, leveraging automation and AI to improve scalability, efficiency, and service delivery.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in pension, benefits and/or payroll administration, including leadership responsibility for people, programs and/or vendor relationships.
- Post-secondary education in Business, Human Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A payroll designation such as PCP, PLP or CPP, or a pension or benefits credential such as CEBS, RPA, or completion of the PPAC program.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and contributing to program strategy, design, implementation and ongoing delivery.
- Practical knowledge of Workday or a comparable integrated HRIS and payroll platform, sufficient to provide leadership oversight, support the team with escalated issues, and make informed decisions regarding system enhancements and priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with the administration and governance of defined benefit pension plans, including collaboration with actuaries, regulators, and pension committees.
- Strong knowledge of pension, benefits, and payroll governance requirements in Canada and the United States, with the ability to translate complex regulations and plan provisions into practical business solutions.
- Sound financial and operational acumen, including experience overseeing budgets, funding, reporting, controls, service performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong relationship-building, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex information and lead cross-functional initiatives while balancing strategic priorities with operational execution.
