Program Manager, Employee Wellness

Requisition ID: 17275
Department: Finance and Corporate Services Dept.
Service: Human Resources Services
Branch: Employee Wellness Branch
Employment Type: 1 Full-time Permanent
Work Hours: 35.00 /hours per week
Affiliation: MPE
Salary Information: $113 700,86 - $143 798,20 annually (2025 rates of pay)
Location: 100 Constellation, Nepean
City: Ottawa, ON
Job Category: Administrative and Support Services
Application Close: 08/05/2025

The City of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We are committed to an equitable, strategic and inclusive hiring process and support a workforce that reflects the diverse population of Ottawa.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the position, the following are considered assets:

- Member of Indigenous, Black or other racialized community, persons with disabilities, women or other equity-deserving groups
- Experience working with diverse communities and intersecting social identities, such as race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, class and religion facing systemic and structural barriers
- Knowledge of community demographics and their needs, systemic challenges and strengths
- Demonstrated understanding of the value of equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Ability to communicate in a language other than French or English

**JOB SUMMARY**
- The Employee Wellness Unit develops the corporate Employee Wellness strategy and framework for the City to support safe, healthy behaviors and encourage employees to proactively manage their well-being. The unit’s mission will be to act in alignment with the City’s values, create, and foster a psychologically safe workplace culture, adapt to the diverse intersectional needs of the employee population, and evolve into a trauma-informed organization.
- You lead a team of professional staff in the Employee Wellness Unit, providing expertise in the planning, design, implementation, communications and evaluation of employee wellness programs, as well as, planning and managing projects. You are responsible for building and maintaining strong working relationships with staff and management in HR, Labour Relations, and Finance, and for representing the corporation at collective bargaining on matters related to employee wellness programs.
- Your primary responsibilities include:

- Leading the design, planning, implementation, communications, and evaluation of employee wellness programs, including the various phases of integrated benefit product launches or updates, with the objective of being market competitive, cost effective and internally equitable.
- Ensuring programs are designed within consideration of needs, cost-efficiency, competitive positioning, emerging industry trends and innovations, governance and best practices.
- Leading internal and external audit activities associated with employee wellness programs, policies and procedures.
- Establishing and maintaining various relationships with internal(such as Legal Services, Labour Relations, Finance, etc.) and external service providers to ensure programs meet business needs and compliance requirements, to effectively manage risk, and to ensure quality service.
- Managing vendor contracts and relationships with various consultants, third party administrators and service providers in matters related to annual renewals/reviews and new contracts, to ensure optimum efficiency and quality of service delivery, and to ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions.
- Overseeing the development and delivery of communication material to enhance employee understanding of employee wellness programs as well as the design and maintenance of online information
- You are also responsible for managing the unit’s human (including contracted services) and financial resources, and partner relationships.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**
- Completion of 4 year university degree in Psychology, Sociology, HR Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or other related field. Masters of Social Work preferred.
- Minimum of 8 years of related experience in employee wellness, occupational health and safety, including a minimum of 4 years in the management of human and financial resources.

**CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES**
- Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) is desirable.
- Registered Social Worker in the Province of Ontario or equivalent certification is desirable.

**KNOWLEDGE**
- Methods, techniques and practices relative to benefits and wellness program design and governance
- Benefit plan underwriting and cost containment measures
- Legislation, policies, regulations, guidelines and operational procedures relevant to the operational area
- Contract document preparation, the tendering process and supervision of field services
- Supervisory experience and motivational techniques. Working knowledge of human resource best practice