Manager, Planning & Governance

Job Description

We are looking for a Manager, Planning & Governance within the Technology Risk and Security division.

Reporting to the AVP, Portfolio Management & Governance, The Manager, Planning & Governance is responsible for establishing and managing processes and tools for work intake management, developing a comprehensive I&O technology and service delivery plan, resource capacity / demand management and operational performance measurement and reporting. 

What you will do 

Work Intake Management

• Establish and mature the capability for cross-functional work intake management including development, health and maintenance work, as well as business service demand requests
• Work with the Office of the CIO (OCIO) and Delivery Leaders to ensure I&O work intake processes are aligned with the standard governance framework and processes for project intake, prioritization and stage gating
• Ensure I&O work intake, triage, prioritization and work assignment processes are operating effectively, and to make adjustments and improvements as necessary
• Responsible for ensuring I&O leadership visibility of all work entering the intake channels
• Responsible for ensuring all Canada Technology teams are aware and properly trained on how to effectively use the approved I&O work intake processes

Infrastructure and Operations Planning

• Responsible for establishing a programmatic approach to maintaining infrastructure and service roadmaps by working with I&O leadership and service owners and ensuring alignment with business and IT strategy and objectives
• Responsible for the development and ongoing maintenance of the annual I&O strategic planning document that includes:
• • Clearly defined goals, objectives and priorities aligned with the Canada Technology Strategy
  • Primary workstreams with supporting details regarding scope of work, general approach, dependencies, outcomes and benefits. Primary workstreams will include development, health and maintenance initiatives as well as ongoing BAU work activities and required capital expenditures
  • Key performance metrics and targets that will be used to measure progress and operating performance
  • Capacity and demand views for I&O resources
  • Budget summary by I&O service domains and cost pools
• Work with Delivery Leaders to assist in the development and ongoing re-balancing of the portfolio of delivery work in response to changes in scope of work, and / or priority of work items
• Assist in the development of the annual I&O technology delivery budget

Workforce Management

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive resource / workforce management process, leveraging corporate standards and tooling, to manage operational and delivery resource capacity and demand within I&O:
  • Establish and maintain a database of named resources and work assignments
  • Create resource capacity / demand reports or dashboards specific to business unit needs
  • Ensure data integrity and overall data quality and completeness of resource management data that feeds central technology analytics and capacity planning
• Implement and maintain active work management processes that include regular monitoring and adjustment to work plans necessary to achieve desired outcomes:
  • Develop and maintain active work management tools and processes including databases, workflows, Kanban boards, job aids, and training materials
  • Provide awareness, communication and training to leaders and practitioners related to standard resource and work management processes
  • Support leaders in reviewing active work management processes and dashboards and implementing improvements where necessary
  • Work with Resource Managers and Delivery Leaders to develop strategies and action plans to manage resource constraints
  • Responsible for ensuring that active work management processes are being used effectively throughout the I&O organization
• Support the shift to agile ways of working where applicable as part of ongoing active work management

Operational and Performance Improvement and Reporting

• Establish and mature dynamic reporting capabilities that support operational and delivery performance reporting requirements and metrics for I&O including:
  • Operational and delivery resource capacity and demand forecasts and planned vs actual time tracking analysis based on active work management processes
  • Operational and delivery metrics related to new ways of working
  • Operational and delivery performance metrics such as intake volumes, backlog of work, rate of work completion, overall delivery performance and health metrics, and delivery compliance
  • Benefits measurement and tracking of actual business value delivered vs planned
  • Key technology risk, security and compliance metrics including performance indicators and benefits realization tracking for risk control performance and audit gaps
• Support the ongoing improvement of I&O operations through optimizing service costs, creating efficiencies, and development of strong business cases and total cost of ownership (TCO) financial views to aid in investment decision making
• Establish the capability to develop, administer and provide ongoing support and maintenance for dashboarding and reporting using technologies like PowerBI
• Establish the capability to administer and manage information and content required to support the Program Management & Governance functions using technologies including Sharepoint, Confluence, and Microsoft Teams channels

What you will bring 

• 5+ years of experience in a leadership position
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business Technology, Economics or equivalent experience
• Foundational knowledge and 5 – 10 years of progressive experience in two or more of the following disciplines:
• • Project Portfolio Management, including experience with
    • enterprise class project portfolio management tools
    • project portfolio management lifecycle including project intake, selection, prioritization, stage gating, execution and closeout
  • Resource Management with a focus on workforce capacity and demand management including tools and processes required to optimize work intake, assignment and monitoring of work products and business outcomes
  • Data Analysis and Reporting including experience with database design, data stewardship and reporting tools such as PowerBI
  • Technology Business Management including foundational understanding of corporate information technology economics and finance practices
  • Agile delivery methods and practices including Scrum and Kanban
• Demonstrated capability to build and foster strong relationships through collaboration, influencing change, and building consensus
• Proven ability to deliver results and business value and to contribute to change processes that improve organizational performance
• Constant learner and passion for technology, planning and delivery optimization
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and to seek non-traditional approaches to problem solving.
• Ability to make decisions often with limited knowledge or data or in ambiguous circumstances
• Ability to adapt and change approach quickly in response to changes in the environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Practical understanding of how large enterprise organizations work, within in a regulated environment
• Track record of leading and developing high performing teams 

Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in the following head office locations: Toronto, London, Winnipeg. 

Be your best at Canada Life- Apply today!

Being a part of Canada Life means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.

You can be your best here. You’re part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You’ll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.

Together, as part of a great team, you’ll deliver on our shared purpose to improve the well-being of Canadians. It’s our driving force. Become part of a strong and successful company that’s trusted by millions of Canadians to do the right thing. 

We are one of Canada's top 100 employers!

Canada Life serves?the financial security needs of more than 13 million people across Canada, with additional operations in Europe and the United States. As members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies, we’re one of Canada’s leading insurers with interests in life insurance, health insurance, investment and retirement savings. We offer a broad portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions for individuals, families, businesses and organizations.? 

We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee?has the opportunity to?reach their potential.?  

Canada Life?would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted? 

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