Reporting to the President the VP, Group Benefits leads the Group Benefits and Third-Party Administration (TPA) team and is the subject matter expert on benefits operations for our organization. This hands-on role oversees group benefit and our TPA team to ensure the delivery of goals and projects aligned with organizational objectives.Key Duties and Responsibilities 75% LeadershipLead, mentor and manageEvaluate performance and conduct regular reviews; maintain proper staffing levels; hire new employees; provide ongoing feedback and support through regular meetings.Collaborate with President to ensure alignment across organization and clientele.Ensures effective resource allocation/client assignment to maximize productivity and organizational results.Provide advice to resolve escalated administrative, contractual, financial or claim issues. Ensure group benefit team members understand Waypoint Benefits & Financial Services (WBFS) client needs and priorities.As part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), provide and assist with developing strategic goals and objectives for the company.Operations Training & Development – Group BenefitsDevelop and deliver training programs customized to the experience and needs of participants (new and existing employees); create and maintain the ongoing library to ensure turn-key training is available in the future as needed.Determine case allocation ensuring appropriate workload and fit.Processes & AnalysisOversee day-to-day Group Benefit and TPA operations by managing all processes and procedures to ensure they are documented, utilizing industry best practices and compliance with regulations/legislation.Identify opportunities for process improvement/increasing effectiveness and take a key role in recommending changes to management. Design and implement new processes, create documentation, and facilitate training for teams (Group Benefits & TPA).Participate in review of workflow, processes and analysis across organization as required from time to time.Effectively track and communicate the progress of monthly/quarterly metrics to internal stakeholders and the leadership team.25%Manage and oversee a select group of clients in the design and management of their health and benefits programs. This includes:Benefit plan analysis, design, cost savings and funding strategies.Vendor procurement, negotiation and optimization.Recommend absence and disability management processes.Perform pharmacy and data analytics and recommend cost containment and future-oriented strategies.Benchmark our client’s programs by researching prevailing practices among similar organizations. Make recommendations according to key findings.Prepare delivery of annual renewal reports, market surveys and carrier transitions as necessary.Consistently monitor client relationships and strengthen those relationships by identifying needs through adding lines of coverage, products or services.Design and deliver presentations to clients, lead client meetings as well as key employee presentations. Maintain close working relationships with insurance partners. Initiate problem solving and negotiate when necessary.Organic GrowthActively pursuing new opportunities with existing clients and identifying opportunities to cross-sell other products and services available through WBFS and all Navacord partners.Make introductions to sales team, and/or actively promoting WBFS at industry events/online forums/social media and applicable networking events.Actively seeking feedback from existing clients and asking for referrals wherever possibleKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesProven experience in designing and delivering interactive training sessions using a variety of methods (web-based, classroom, job aids, visual aids, reference material/manuals)Demonstrated success in leading effective changes in systems, workflows, processes and procedures to ensure we retain a competitive advantageHands-on experience with TPA systems and software, and analytics tools.Ability to positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of WBFSMaintains effective and collaborative working relationshipsProven success in building and leading high performing team; proactively handling people issuesStrong organizational and project management skillsStrong facilitation and communication skills (verbal and written)Detail oriented and analytical; sound problem-solving skillsIntermediate proficiency with Office 365 (especially excel & powerpoint) and seeks out technologies to enhance learning outcomes.Training, Education and ExperienceMinimum of 7 years related progressive industry experienceStrong working knowledge of the financial services sector and insurance industryDeep working knowledge of the Employee Benefits business (legislation, regulations, etc.) in Canada and a general understanding of the US benefits environmentBachelor’s DegreeLLQP/Life LicensedCertified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation is an assetMinimum of 3 years of people leader experienceCritical Success FactorsStrong technical group benefits knowledge and the ability to effectively mentor and train othersStrong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interface with management, employees, and other key stakeholdersProven success in building and leading high performing team