Payroll & Benefits Administrator

WHO WE ARE

Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG), Inc. is one of Manitoba’s fastest-growing companies, committed to increasing safety in the school bus industry and reducing emissions in the electric vehicle charging sector through our diverse divisions. We design and develop exciting, patented, and innovative technologies that make a real and lasting impact across multiple industries.

At the heart of our success are the values that guide everything we do:

• People – our team is what makes us special
• Passion – from our hearts and minds, demonstrated through our actions
• Priority – we put the customer first, every day, in everything we do
• Partnership – with each other, our customers, and our suppliers

We provide a supportive environment where hard work, passions, and goals are recognized. Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Share your drive and aspirations with us, and we’ll ensure that your efforts open doors to new opportunities and growth.

THE POSITION

The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is responsible for administering payroll, benefits, retirement savings, and total rewards programs across our Canadian and U.S. operations. This role ensures payroll is processed accurately and on time while delivering an exceptional employee experience through the administration of payroll, benefits, retirement savings, and total rewards programs. Working closely with Human Resources, Finance, payroll providers, and benefit partners, the Payroll & Benefits Administrator supports compliant, efficient, and employee-focused programs that help attract, engage, and retain top talent.

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING AN IMPACT

• Process bi-weekly payroll for Canadian and U.S. employees while maintaining accuracy, timeliness, and legislative compliance.
• Prepare year-end payroll activities, including statutory reporting and reconciliation requirements for Canadian and U.S. payroll.
• Administer the Company's total rewards programs, including group benefits, RRSP/DPSP, disability management, employee leaves, and wellness initiatives.
• Coordinate benefit enrollments, retirement savings, employer matching, qualifying life events, annual renewals, and employee communications.
• Reconcile payroll registers, benefit invoices, RRSP/DPSP contributions, statutory remittances, and payroll deductions.
• Investigate payroll, benefits, taxation, and retirement savings issues, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• Partner with Finance, Human Resources, payroll providers, and benefit partners to resolve complex issues and deliver exceptional employee experience.
•  Monitor changes to Canadian and U.S. payroll and employment legislation and implement updates to maintain compliance.
•  Lead continuous improvement initiatives across payroll, HRIS, and total rewards by identifying efficiencies, strengthening internal controls, and enhancing the employee experience.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU REQUIRE

• Diploma or degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Payroll Administration, or a related discipline.
• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation, or actively working toward certification, is considered an asset.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience administering payroll, benefits, and total rewards programs within Canadian and U.S. operations.
• Experience administering group benefits, RRSP/DPSP, disability management, employee leave programs, and other total rewards initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, statutory deductions, employment standards, and taxation, with working knowledge of U.S. payroll administration, tax regulations, and employee benefit practices.
• Experience administering payroll and maintaining employee records using payroll and HRIS platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, Paychex, or comparable systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including payroll reconciliations, reporting, data analysis, and formula development.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to investigate discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement practical, effective solutions.
• Exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to prioritize competing deadlines while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused approach and the ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage highly confidential payroll and employee information with professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
• A continuous improvement mindset with the initiative to identify process improvements, strengthen internal controls, and enhance the employee experience.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Deliver accurate, compliant, and on-time payroll for Canadian and U.S. employees.
• Payroll, benefits, RRSP/DPSP, and total rewards programs operate accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with legislative requirements.
• Resolve payroll and benefits inquiries promptly while delivering an exceptional employee experience.
• Payroll, benefits, and HRIS records remain accurate, compliant, and audit-ready.
• Build trusted partnerships with employees, People Leaders, Finance, payroll providers, and benefit partners.
• Identify and implement improvements that strengthen payroll processes, reporting, automation, and internal controls.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM

We believe that a healthy, supported team is key to our success. That’s why we offer a benefits package that prioritizes work-life balance, financial wellness, and overall well-being.

Our team members enjoy:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Group insurance plan with health spending account
• Paid Vacation
• Company-paid shutdown from Christmas to New Years
• Matching RRSP program

We would like to thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.