ABOUT KECHNIE

Kechnie is a Waterloo-based financial services group offering life and health insurance, investments, group benefits and pensions. Our group benefits business operates as both a Third Party Administrator (TPA) and Third Party Payor (TPP), which means we don't just place plans with carriers. We administer them, adjudicate claims, manage trust accounts, and stand beside plan sponsors through every renewal.

If your background is carrier-side, know that this model asks more of you, and gives you far more visibility into how a benefits program actually runs.

THE ROLE The Group Benefits Manager is a senior client-facing and operational role responsible for managing the full lifecycle of Kechnie's group benefits book of business. This includes both Insured (indirect) and ASO (direct) plans, encompassing client service, plan administration, renewal marketing, claims oversight, and strategic carrier relationship management.

The role requires someone who is equally comfortable navigating complex plan structures and leading renewal discussions with Plan Administrators. As Kechnie operates as both a TPA and TPP, this position is deeply involved in both the business and operational aspects of clients' advantages programs.

The ideal candidate brings strong benefits expertise, an ownership mindset, and the interpersonal skills needed to serve as a trusted advisor to plan sponsors. Over time, the role is expected to assume increasing responsibility for client benefits relationships from the President. The focus is on managing and strengthening the existing book of business, not on net-new business development.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

1. Client Service & Plan Administration

- Act as the primary contact for Plan Administrators and Management teams across the client base.
- Manage plan amendments, membership changes, enrolments, and benefit updates with accuracy and efficiency, with carriers as well as internally.
- Collaborate with the Admin/Claims team to ensure seamless integration between plan administration and adjudication functions.
- Provide backup support for Admin/Claims when required; identify and implement process improvements that strengthen the client experience.
- Monitor claims volumes and team capacity, particularly through the January-to-March peak, and plan seasonal coverage (overtime,



temporary support) in advance so processing does not fall behind; escalate resourcing needs to the President with a clear business case.
- Oversee Kechnie's benefits platforms and systems (through our sister company and third-party relationships); manage future development and programming needs with those vendors.

2. Trust Account & Banking

- Manage the group benefits trust account(s) in partnership with the Controller.
- Oversee EFT processing to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and proper reconciliation.
- Maintain ongoing communication with clients.

3. Renewal Marketing & Communications

- Monitor the renewal pipeline and ensure all clients receive appropriate notice within the required 60-day window.
- Conduct market reviews where applicable; manage RFP processes and carrier negotiations.
- Prepare and present renewal reports, rate analyses, and plan design options to clients.
- Confirm implementation of approved renewal rates, plan changes, and carrier transitions.

4. Industry & Legislative Updates

- Monitor and communicate relevant changes in tax legislation, benefit regulations, and industry developments to clients in a timely, practical manner.
- Position Kechnie as a proactive, knowledgeable resource for plan sponsors through ongoing communication.

5. Business Management & Growth Support

- Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities within the existing client base through day-to-day service interactions.
- Proactively inform clients of new products, programs, and enhancements relevant to their plan.
- Represent Kechnie at industry events and professional functions; debrief the team on relevant developments.

6. Carrier Relationship Management

- Maintain active, professional relationships with carrier partners.
- Leverage carrier relationships to secure competitive renewal terms, access new products, and resolve escalated service issues.

7. Retirement Division Collaboration





- Coordinate with Kechnie's Investment Division on Retirement Plans when servicing shared clients to deliver a cohesive employer experience.
- Recognize group retirement (Group RRSP / Pension) questions and opportunities during client conversations and bring them to the President. This role is not expected to advise on investments.

WHAT YOU BRING Must-Have

· Minimum 5 years of experience in the employee benefits industry (TPA, carrier, or brokerage environment).

· Life licence, active at time of hire, or a commitment to obtain it within 12 months (costs covered by Kechnie).

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, financial modelling) and the Microsoft Office suite.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable preparing and delivering client-facing presentations.

· Direct experience managing or contributing to renewal processes and carrier marketing.

· Demonstrated mathematical aptitude: the ability to build and audit premium calculations, claims ratios, and cost projections independently.

· Working knowledge of Canadian benefits legislation and regulatory standards.

Nice-to-Have

· Bilingual (French/English), a genuine asset given Kechnie's carrier and client landscape.

· Experience with BeneSys, Telus/Adjudicare, or Spiria platforms.

· CEBS designation or active enrolment in the CEBS program.

· Experience with trust account management and EFT processing.

· Background specifically in a TPA or TPP environment (distinct from direct carrier-side experience).

· Exposure to the group retirement side (Group RRSP / Pension), enough to recognize when a retirement conversation should be raised.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected].

This posting is for an existing vacancy. We will inform all interviewed applicants of the outcome within 45 days of their final interview.

Kechnie is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process. Accommodation is available on request at any stage; please let us know how we can support you.

Pay: $100,000.00-$120,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- On-site parking

Work Location: In person

📌 Group Benefits Manager (Kitchener)
🏢 Kechnie
📍 Kitchener