Director, Total Rewards

Overview of role: Reporting to the VP, People, this role is accountable for the design of the WestJet Group Total Rewards strategy.
Leading teams of compensation, benefits, and savings/pension professionals, the role ensures the design, development, and operational execution of all programs and plans aligned with WestJet's strategic objectives. The role ensures these programs are progressive, legislatively compliant, and financially sustainable over the long term. This role is accountable for developing a comprehensive Group Total Rewards strategy by collaborating with the business to ensure programs support the organization's culture and strategic objectives. Drive compensation, benefits, and savings/pension strategy across all employee groups, from executives to frontline employees, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Identify opportunities to simplify plans wherever possible while ensuring long-term value and cost effectiveness.

Key deliverables include:

Lead Total Rewards teams and maintain and further a culture of effective collaboration with other teams within the People function.

Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders by delivering subject matter expertise through a team of high-performing, experienced professionals.

Support CBA negotiations for both compensation and benefit provisions. Implement negotiated CBA provisions into plan rules and systems requirements, including retroactive adjustments where applicable.

Oversee the organization's pay equity program, including plan development and maintenance, stakeholder collaboration, pay equity analyses, and implementation of required adjustments, ensuring ongoing legislative compliance and group-wide equitable compensation practices.

Deliver executive compensation and incentive plan materials to the Compensation & Governance Committee, enabling informed Board-level decisions that support attraction, retention, and pay-for-performance principles.

Oversee benefit renewals, funding arrangements, claims trends, insurer performance, eligibility administration, and escalations.

Perform comprehensive financial modeling to generate actionable insights and deliver strategic recommendations to business leaders. Identify key cost drivers and uncover opportunities for cost containment. Contribute to Total Rewards benchmarking initiatives and monitor industry trends to inform future program design and strategy.

Oversee strategic partnerships with external consultants, actuaries, carriers, and benefits providers to ensure service excellence, cost effectiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives.

Continuous Improvement & IPO Readiness: Lead and implement projects involving technology-driven solutions and develop change management plans to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Total Rewards programs. Monitor program performance to ensure Total Rewards offerings are comprehensive, financially responsible, and support the organization's successful transition from a private to a public company.

Oversee the development of engaging communication materials and information sessions for leaders and employees, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the organization's total compensation philosophy and practices.

Stay informed of legislative requirements that affect compensation, benefits, pension, and savings policies, and develop action plans to ensure governance, compliance, and implementation.

Participate in and lead project work that may involve the development or redesign of programs to support the WestJet Group's growth plans or meet governance requirements.

Lead group-wide Total Rewards transformations and change initiatives as required.

Experience and qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in a related discipline (Human Resources, Finance, or Commerce).

15+ years of direct experience leading Total Rewards programs and teams in a large, complex organization, including experience in privately held and/or publicly traded enterprises.

Demonstrated ability to build highly effective and collaborative working relationships at all levels of the organization.

Dedicated team player who is highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently while taking initiative.

Experience with labour bargaining and operationalizing associated collective agreements from a Total Rewards perspective.

Demonstrated experience in the administration, communication, and implementation of Total Rewards programs.

Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with a proven track record of completing complex data analysis and transforming it into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

Ability to work in a time-sensitive environment with strong attention to detail.

Well-developed communication skills, along with a high degree of discretion, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive matters.

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

CCP and/or CEBS designation considered an asset.