Payroll Implementation Consultant

Plan Sponsor Administration is looking for a Payroll Implementation Consultant to join our AdminAdvantage Administration team. The payroll team implements customized payroll solutions for a variety of clients. The Payroll Implementation Consultant is responsible for overseeing client-specific payroll needs and implementations, ensuring seamless transitions, and providing expert technical guidance on payroll-related changes while building strong relationships with clients and vendors.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, influential and passionate professional who is committed to building solid relationships while delivering on initiatives in a fast-paced and changing environment. 

The AdminAdvantage PAD and Payroll Team within the Manulife Group Benefits organization links people, technology and expert services to simplify benefits administration and provide a consistent, powerful member and client experience.  Our vision is to be recognized as the partner of choice within the industry for benefits solutions and benefits administration services. 

Our clients trust the administration of their group benefits to us and you will be part of a team that delivers outstanding results to those clients and our members. 

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, changing environment where every day brings something new and innovative ideas are encouraged, you may be the candidate we are looking for!

Position Responsibilities:

• Manage Payroll Changes/Implementations: Client-facing role to oversee and coordinate payroll changes and implementations tailored to client needs, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions.

• Subject Matter Expert: Gather detailed requirements from stakeholders, including a diverse portfolio of clients, analyze the impact on current and future states, provide expert guidance on payroll-related changes and verify the integrity of files from early development through to post production. 

• Client and Vendor Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and payroll vendors, establish clear payroll processes, create requirements documentation, and consult on the file quality.

• Translate Client Needs: Convert client requests into clear, actionable technical requirements supporting both internal user-acceptance as well as client testing and implementation.

• Project Meetings: Actively participate in internal and external payroll project team meetings. Contribute insights to ensure alignment with project goals while advocating for client experience.

• Testing: Support and participate in payroll testing to ensure compliance with guidelines and accurate delivery of client payroll requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Industry Knowledge: Previous experience administrating benefits or implementing payroll for medium to large organizations.

• Project Management Experience: Possess formal training or equivalent work experience in project management, business analysis and methodologies (such as Lean Six Sigma) to manage projects efficiently.    

• Analytical Skills: Strong capability to identify and resolve root cause issues related to system investigations, data flows, and information management.

• Customer Management: Proven experience in managing customer relationships, setting clear expectations, and guiding clients through the project lifecycle with a focus on satisfaction and success.

• Quick Learner: Ability to quickly grasp new ideas, concepts, technologies, and tools, demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and proficient use of Office 365.

• Adaptability: Exhibit resilience and adaptability to change, with the ability to guide others through transitions while remaining accountable and solution oriented.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Group Benefits/AdminAdvantage Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of group benefits and AdminAdvantage is an asset, enhancing the ability to manage payroll-related benefits.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate and negotiate with diverse global stakeholders who have competing priorities, maintaining composure and performing effectively during challenging interactions.

• Technical Expertise: Expertise in using tools like Office Suite (specifically Excel, Teams), SQL, Jira, and Confluence to manage data, track project progress, and collaborate with team members efficiently.

• Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset. If the successful candidate is in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various provinces outside of Quebec.

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want. 

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words. 

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact [email protected].

Referenced Salary Location

Salary range is expected to be between

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [email protected] for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact [email protected] for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.