Job Title

Organization: Canadian Automobile Dealers Association Position Title: Director, Employee Benefits & Retirement Group Savings Reports to: CFO & Executive Director, Member Services Location: Thornhill, ON / Hybrid (3 days in-office) THE ORGANIZATION: The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) is the national association representing new car and truck dealers. Acting as the voice of the dealers at the national level, CADA serves as an advocate to government, industry and the public. THE OPPORTUNITY: CADA, as trustee of the Employee Life & Health Trust, delivers self-insured employee benefits and retirement savings programs to over 1,600 dealerships and 81,000 employees nationwide. Managed by a Dealer Committee of trustees, the trust focuses on providing sustainable and innovative benefits, promoting healthcare for plan members and cost management. Employee Benefits are approaching $300M, with Group Retirement Savings over $450M in AUM. Working with Canada Life, these two areas provide a material source of revenue to CADA and ensures contractual benefits for dealers, employees and their families. The Director, Employee Benefits & Group Retirement Savings provides governance, operational management, and financial oversight of the CADA 360 Employee Benefits and Savings programs. They also have additional responsibility for overseeing marketing and promotional efforts and providing communication and educational programs to all stakeholders. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Plan Management and Coordination Leadership and coordination of numerous internal and external stakeholders including the Dealer Trust Committee, individual dealers & dealer administrators, broker advisors, the Advisory Council, Canada Life staff, external consultants, provincial associations, and internal CADA staff. Main contact for elevation of dealer complaints, issues, and suggestions regarding the benefits program. CADA staff lead for all aspects of planning, preparation and follow-up for semi-annual Dealer Benefits Committee Meetings. Hold external vendors accountable for their performance and results. Manage a small team of internal specialists, providing coaching and mentoring to inspire exceptional performance. Financial Management and Governance of the Trust Play an integral role in the financial management of the trust funds, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the plan through cost efficiency and reducing volatility. Ensure appropriate budgeting and management of expenditures charged to the Trust. Maintain and utilize metrics on benefit costs, trends, plan performance and financial analysis. Provide recommendations and support to ensure the EHLT governance structure fulfils its fiduciary duties to beneficiaries. Ensure that benefits and retirement savings plans are administered in compliance with legislation, regulations, and the terms of the plans. Benefits Strategy, Development and Innovation Periodically review and update the Plan design to meet the needs of dealership stakeholders and beneficiaries. Monitor and analyze benefit trends, issues and best practices. Present new initiatives and changes using financially sound and innovative methodologies. Management of Plan Documentation Ensure proper plan documentation and legislative compliance. Plan Development and Sales Raise awareness of CADA 360 offerings and brand. Cultivate strong relationships with advisors to ensure retention of existing business and increase market share. Plan Communication and Marketing Efforts Collaborate with CADA Marketing and Communications colleagues to execute marketing programs and educational content that align with program initiatives using various communication channels. Project Management and other duties and responsibilities in support of CADAs three strategic pillars: Advocacy, Member Services and Knowledge. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: 10+ years of progressive group benefits experience with a focus on managing and executing multiple initiatives, process enhancements and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Expertise in Group Employee Benefits and Retirement Savings Plans and their related functions. Passionate about providing exceptional value and service to members. Experience with an Employee Life & Health Trust (beneficial) Knowledge of Trusts and Plan Governance. Deep understanding of benefits plan administration, cost modelling, and impact assessment of plan changes. Life Insurance License (LLQP) required; must meet Continuing Education requirements. Group Benefits related professional certifications such as CEBS and CHRP would be beneficial. Skilled in multitasking, project management, and establishing goals and priorities. Ability to use data to make informed recommendations, ask insightful questions, and offer innovative ideas. A team player with a natural ability to build and leverage strong internal and external networks. Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation and negotiation skills. A bachelors degree in a related field (such as Business Administration, Human Resources, or Economics) or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is required. An MBA would be an asset. Bilingual (English and French) is an asset, but not essential. WORK CONDITIONS: Hybrid work schedule: Monday to Wednesday in CADA office, remote option on Thursday and Friday. Regular business hours but extended hours may bee needed during peak periods and to meet deadlines. Moderate travel within the GTA and overnight travel across Canada as needed for Committee meetings, conferences, and meetings with dealers, advisors, external consultants, and suppliers. Immediate reports: Employee Benefits Consultant, Employee Pension Consultant Internal customers: Close collaboration with colleagues in Finance, Legal, Marketing, Communications & IT External customers: Dealer Trustees, Advisors, Advisory Council, Provincial Associations, Dealers, Dealer Administrators, Dealership Employees, Canada Life Staff. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you are interested in being considered for this meaningful opportunity, please contact: Lindsay Millard, Senior Consultant, About LHH Knightsbridge