Pension and Benefits Specialist

Department: Human Resources
Employment Type: Full-Time
Requisition ID: 2145

Join the UFA team today!

At UFA, we are more than an agricultural cooperative. We are a team of passionate people who work together to support rural communities, Canadian producers, and each other every day.

We are growing and are currently seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused Pension Specialist to support the administration, governance, and continuous improvement of the organization's pension and retirement programs.

This role is responsible for ensuring accurate pension administration, compliance with applicable legislation, employee education and support, vendor management, and reporting activities. The Pension Specialist will collaborate closely with employees, leaders, external pension providers, Payroll, Finance, and Human Resources stakeholders to deliver an exceptional employee experience while maintaining regulatory compliance and data integrity.

This position is located in Calgary, Alberta and operates on a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Administer all aspects of UFA's pension and retirement savings programs, including enrollments, terminations, retirements, transfers, beneficiary updates, and leave-related pension activities.
• Ensure accurate processing and reconciliation of employee and employer pension contributions in partnership with Payroll and external plan administrators.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, retirees, and leaders, providing guidance on pension plan provisions, retirement options, and related inquiries.
• Deliver pension education and communication programs, including employee information sessions, retirement planning resources, and plan updates.
• Maintain pension records, participant data, and documentation while ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, and data integrity.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable pension legislation, regulatory requirements, governance standards, and company policies.
• Partner with third-party administrators, actuaries, consultants, investment managers, and internal stakeholders to support effective plan administration and service delivery.
• Prepare and analyze pension-related reports, audits, reconciliations, regulatory filings, annual statements, and management reporting.
• Support annual pension valuations, financial reporting requirements, and strategic initiatives related to retirement programs and Total Rewards.
• Identify opportunities to improve pension processes, enhance the employee experience, mitigate risk, and increase operational efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience administering pension and retirement savings programs, including defined contribution and/or defined benefit pension plans.
• Professional pension or benefits certifications such as CEBS, PPAC, RPA, or related designations are considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge of pension legislation, regulatory requirements, governance practices, and retirement program administration.
• Experience working with pension providers, actuaries, consultants, Payroll teams, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, HRIS systems, and data analysis/reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and critical thinking skills, with a high level of diligence and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex pension concepts to employees and leaders in a clear and approachable manner.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and provide exceptional customer service.
• Continuous improvement mindset with strong organizational, project management, and relationship-building skills.

You and UFA. Let’s Grow Together.

UFA is one of Canada’s largest and most progressive agricultural co-operatives. We’re a multi-billion-dollar organization that offers the products, services, and support our 127,000+ members need to build, grow and succeed. While our roots will always be in agriculture, we’re proud to support the industries and communities that drive Western Canada’s economy. We need your skills, expertise and ideas to help us keep growing.

• A Business with a Purpose - Join a member-owned co-operative with a mission that matters: improving the well-being of our members, helping them feed the world, and enabling investment in local communities.
• Recognized and Rewarded for Your Performance - At UFA, success is shared. You’ll own your work and be recognized for both individual and organizational results.
• Work-Life Success - We prioritize safety, respect your time, and offer flexible options and comprehensive benefits to support your life inside and outside of work.
• We Help Each Other Grow - Our collaborative culture fosters growth through hands-on experience, mentorship, training, educational support, and diverse career paths.

Diversity Equity, and Belonging

At UFA, we care about our employees and what makes them unique. We strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes employees from diverse backgrounds, where everyone can do their best work. If you require accommodation during the application or selection process, please contact careers@ufa.com.

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We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.