Director, Total Rewards

About Indigo

Indigo is a retail and digital hub inspired by books, ideas, and creatively designed lifestyle products, sustained by passionate people. We cherish real books, encourage a fulfilling and kind way of living, and value stories that connect individuals. Our mission is to inspire reading and enhance the lives of book lovers, fostering a supportive environment to attract and retain top talent.

Guiding Principles

• We hire, motivate, promote, and retain top performers — A’s hire A’s
• Customer centricity drives all our actions
• We rely on data-driven approaches, systems thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit
• True and shared value creation is our commitment
• Human-centered and AI-enabled practices inform decisions
• We care deeply for each other, our communities, and the environment

Role Overview and Responsibilities

The Director of Total Rewards leads the development and execution of Indigo’s comprehensive rewards strategy, ensuring competitive, sustainable, and employee-focused compensation, benefits, wellness, and absence management programs across all teams including Home Office, Retail, and Distribution Centre employees. This role plays a vital part in transforming Indigo into a high-performance and growth-focused organization by implementing rewarding infrastructures that boost business success, employee engagement, and organizational efficiency.

• Contribute as a senior HR leader in shaping people strategies aligned with business needs, fostering talent attraction, retention, and performance through total rewards initiatives
• Define and regularly update Indigo’s total rewards philosophy to align with company goals, employee expectations, and market trends
• Create and execute a multi-year roadmap prioritizing compensation, benefits, wellness, and absence management objectives
• Lead and develop a proficient Total Rewards team, setting clear performance standards and accountability measures
• Monitor success indicators using business and market data to enhance effectiveness and outcomes of reward programs
• Advise senior leadership on compensation strategies, reward considerations, organizational design, and associated risks
• Stay informed about emerging trends in rewards and workforce planning to keep Indigo competitive and future-ready
• Partner with HR and business leaders to identify workforce risks, retention obstacles, and forecast talent requirements
• Align rewards and wellness efforts with organizational strategy and workforce planning
• Participate in annual planning, budgeting, and priority setting for the people portfolio
• Lead change management initiatives related to reward programs and workforce policies
• Provide company-wide expertise ensuring compliance with compensation governance, benefits, and legislation

Performance Metrics

• Timely and within-budget delivery of key Total Rewards projects
• Competitiveness and impact of compensation, benefits, and wellness offerings
• Enhanced outcomes in absence management and improved employee experience
• High customer satisfaction scores for the Total Rewards function
• Strong engagement levels within the Total Rewards team
• Adherence to pay equity, transparency, and legislative standards

Qualifications and Experience

• 10 to 15 years of progressive expertise in Total Rewards, Compensation, Benefits, or related roles in complex organizations
• University degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or similar discipline
• Comprehensive knowledge of compensation strategy, job architecture, market pricing, benefits, wellness, and absence management
• Advanced financial and analytical skills, including executive modeling and business case preparation
• Thorough understanding of employment laws, pay equity, pay transparency, and compliance requirements
• Proven leadership in building high-performing teams and influencing senior stakeholders
• Ability to apply business insights and market knowledge to achieve measurable results
• Creative problem-solving skills, resilience, and sound business judgment
• Full alignment with Indigo’s values as outlined in the Guiding Principles
• Passionate commitment to Indigo’s mission to inspire reading and enrich lives

Additional Information

Indigo reviews every application carefully. AI tools may assist in screening and assessments but do not replace human evaluation; they are used responsibly adhering to anti-discrimination norms. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility are central to Indigo’s values and are actively integrated into policies, training, and hiring. Applicants from all backgrounds, including those identifying as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, or persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. Accommodations during recruitment can be requested via Human Resources.

This opportunity is for a current full-time role based at Indigo’s Toronto location reporting to the Chief People Officer. Privacy is respected in all phases of recruitment.