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Manager, Retirement Plans

LOCATION: Edmonton or Grimsby

Formed in 1952, CLAC is a national union representing over 60,000 workers in almost every sector of the economy. Based on values of respect, dignity, and fairness, CLAC is committed to building better workplaces, better communities, and better lives. CLAC is an affiliated member of the World Organisation of Workers.

We are currently accepting resumes for a Manager, Retirement Plans to join the Benefits and Retirement Team. This is a full-time, permanent position in our Edmonton or Grimsby Member Centre.

Job Summary:

The Manager, Retirement Plans leads the overall management and day-to-day operation of the Retirement Plans, ensuring the needs of members, signatory employers, and the organization are consistently met. The position is responsible for plan design, governance, financial management, vendor relationships, and service delivery, while providing leadership, oversight and support to the Retirement Administration team. This position also includes multi-jurisdictional responsibilities with travel. The Manager, Retirement Plans is a highly organized individual who is self-motivated and committed to continuous improvement.

Plan Strategy and Financial Management
  • Analyzes member demographics, contribution patterns, plan expenses, withdrawal trends, and industry benchmarks to inform plan design and investment strategy decisions and compliance with pension standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Recommends changes to plan design, contribution rates, investment options, and governance practices to support long-term retirement outcomes.
  • Collaborates with plan custodian, consultants, investment managers, recordkeepers, and other partners to assess fund performance, fee structures, regulatory developments, and emerging risks.
  • Oversees annual audits, budgeting, forecasting and manages day to day cash flows.
  • Identifies opportunities to enhance member outcomes through improved investment offerings, financial education, and plan features while balancing cost, risk, and organizational priorities.
Plan Governance, Compliance and Performance
  • Ensures compliance with trust agreements, plan documents, and regulatory requirements.
  • Advises Board of Trustees on performance, governance matters, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Monitors plan performance and implements Board decisions and priorities.
  • Interprets plan provisions, governance requirements, and legislative changes.
Plan Administration and Operational Performance
  • Oversees plan administration to ensure service delivery effectively aligns with plan provisions, and established service standards.
  • Monitors operations, identifies improvement opportunities, and provides direction on complex operational issues impacting the administration of the Retirement Plans.
  • Partners with the Associate Manager, Retirement Plans and Retirement Administration Team Lead to set priorities and address challenges.
  • Ensures operations align with plan objectives, governance requirements, and overall performance expectations.
  • Provides oversight and support for retirement administration systems and databases
Vendor Management
  • Manages vendor relationships, contracts, service level agreements, renewals, and service providers.
  • Monitors performance and resolves service issues.
  • Identifies opportunities to enhance vendor services and administration.
Strategic Priorities, Plan Enhancements and Emerging Issues
  • Identifies and advances strategic priorities aligned with organizational and Benefits & Retirement team priorities.
  • Leads strategic initiatives, enhancements, and projects which support plan growth and improvement.
  • Assesses opportunities based on member needs, trends, and emerging issues.
  • Provides direction on complex non-routine matters and monitors the outcomes for improvement.
People Leadership
  • Manages direct reports, including recruitment, development and performance management.
  • Provides leadership to the Retirement Administration team, setting priorities and objectives.
  • Monitors team capacity, support skills and team member development, and plans for succession.
  • Fosters collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing across the Retirement Administration team.
  • Works collaboratively with other Benefits & Retirement leaders to foster a One Team approach to member service delivery, problem-solving, and process consistency.
  • Promotes a team environment focused on collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
Qualifications:
  • University degree with a specialization in Business Administration, Commerce, Human Resources or another related field or equivalent work experience
  • Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) designation required, Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation preferred
  • Minimum 10+ years’ experience managing large Defined Contribution (DC) retirement plans
  • Minimum 5+ years’ experience of people management
  • Demonstrated experience of oversight related to governance, funding, compliance, financial oversight, and strategic plan management in a complex retirement plans
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of applicable legislation, industry trends, and governance requirements
Skills and Competencies:
  • Excellent financial acumen, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and recommend appropriate actions
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively presenting complex retirement information to various internal and external stakeholders
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Process oriented with the ability to define, implement and continuously improvement retirement administration systems and processes
  • Ability to develop and implement strategic priorities that align with team and organization objectives
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Flexible and adaptable with a willingness to learn
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
Reporting and Accountability:

This position reports directly to the Benefits and Retirement Director

Compensation:

The annual salary will range from $97,631 to $139,473.

To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Jim Doornbos, Benefits and Retirement Director at careers@clac.ca and indicate in your application where you came across the position.

Application Deadline: November 12, 2026

Approximate Start Date: December 2026

 

 

CLAC offers a competitive wage and excellent benefit package, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic, rewarding, and challenging workplace community.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

CLAC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, we will work with you to meet your needs.

Please note that artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used at certain stages of our recruitment and selection process.