Payroll and Benefits Lead

This is more than a payroll role—it’s an opportunity to lead a critical function that supports every employee across our organization. As our Payroll & Benefits Lead, you will be a trusted expert, driving accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement across Canada and the U.S.

About Us

Over the past 40 years, KGS Group has grown to be the largest employee-owned engineering consulting firm based in Manitoba. We work in nearly every area of engineering and have led significant public and private projects across Canada and internationally.

Our work in Manitoba ranges from the design and construction of major hydro dams to the first large diameter tunneling works in the province to a variety of engineering services for noteworthy local landmarks such as The Forks Riverwalk, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Bell MTS Centre and Birds Hill Lake, to name a few.

The Role

In this role, you will lead the end-to-end payroll and benefits function for a growing, multi-jurisdictional organization.

You will:

• Own payroll delivery across Canada and the U.S.
• Oversee benefits and retirement programs
• Lead claims and incident administration processes
• Drive process improvements and system optimization
• Partner closely with HR, Finance, and leadership

You will play a key role in ensuring our employees are paid accurately and on time—while also helping us modernize and enhance how we deliver payroll and benefits services.

Key Responsibilities:Payroll & Benefits Leadership

• Lead full-cycle payroll for Canada and the U.S. (Dayforce Powerpay), ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
• Oversee benefits and retirement programs (RRSP, 401(k), Canada Life, etc.), including vendor management and plan administration
• Manage year-end activities (T4s, ROEs, W-2s) and payroll reconciliations in partnership with Finance
• Oversee vacation accruals, balances, and policy alignment

Programs, Claims & Employee Experience

• Administer rewards and recognition programs, including long-service awards
• Oversee claims and incident management processes, including WCB reporting and return-to-work coordination
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll and benefits inquiries, providing clear and timely support to employees
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes related to payroll and benefits

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with payroll, benefits, and employment legislation across Canada and the U.S.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready records and support internal and external audits
• Monitor legislative changes and recommend updates to policies and practices

Systems, Process Improvement & Leadership

• Maintain and optimize payroll and HR systems (Dayforce, SAP SuccessFactors, etc.)
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, automation, and reporting
• Develop and maintain documentation and procedures
• Act as a subject matter expert within HR and collaborate with Finance, Health & Safety, and external vendors
• Provide guidance and mentorship to HR Administrators

About You

You are someone who:

• Takes pride in getting payroll right—every time
• Thrives in a role that combines technical expertise, problem-solving, and service
• Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable
• Brings experience managing payroll in both Canada and the U.S.
• Understands payroll legislation and compliance requirements
• Has hands-on experience with payroll systems (Dayforce Powerpay or similar)
• Has administered benefits and retirement programs (RRSP, 401(k), etc.)
• Is confident working with vendors and external partners
• Communicates clearly and builds trust with employees and leaders
• Handles sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
• Is proactive, solutions-focused, and always looking for ways to improve
• A PCP designation (or working toward one) is considered an asset

KGS Group is an employee-owned, equal opportunity employer offering a competitive compensation and benefits package, and is proud to be recognized as a Top Employer in Manitoba.

KGS Group welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Upon request, KGS Group will provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities to support participation of candidates in all aspects of the recruitment process.