Benefits Specialist – Retirement

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office and BlueSky Hub in downtown Toronto are purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.

Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.

This job is located in AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical’s office in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.  The position is a member of the US employee benefits team and reports to the US Wellbeing Benefits Lead who is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland USA. The role supports employees and their eligible dependents that are based in the United States.

The person holding this position is required to work on-site at AstraZeneca’s Mississauga office a minimum of three days each week.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer and communicate the company's US benefits program with a focus on the following benefits:  401(k) plan, non-qualified savings plan, supplemental retirement plan, IRC Section 132(f) commuter benefits, and other benefits as required.  Act as primary contact accountable for resolution of issues related to identified benefits.
• Ensure compliance with the written plan document(s) and with all applicable US federal laws.
• Monitor and troubleshoot census files from AstraZeneca to benefit vendors and resolve any issues.  Monitor and troubleshoot enrollment and payroll files from benefit vendors to AstraZeneca to ensure acceptance into AstraZeneca’s system, and to resolve any issues.
• Create wire transfer requests each week to effect the funding of employee and employer contributions to the 401(k) plan and non-qualified saving plans, as applicable.
• Update and communicate US benefit plans and policies, using Workplace and other vehicles.  Partner with external vendors on employee communications.
• Conduct new employee benefits orientations and other virtual benefit education sessions.

Required Skills and Experience

• University degree and 6+ years’ directly applicable experience with US employee benefits
• Significant experience as an analyst responsible for a large US 401(k) plan
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, DOL, and IRS regulations
• Proficient with Excel, and experience with other Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Strong HRIS experience (Workday preferred)
• Strong analytical and presentation skills
• Strong written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 10 years
• Top 100 Employers Award
• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture
• Learn more about working with us in Canada
• View our YouTube channel

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.