AVP, Strategic Initiatives

The AVP, Strategic Initiatives will play a critical role in driving innovation and delivering on strategic objectives and will lead the ideation of strategic initiatives, act as a subject matter expert, and collaborate closely with business partners to drive success. This role will report to the VP, Digital Hub Operations.

This role requires a self-starter who is constantly seeking opportunities to improve business efficiency, customer experience, and competitive differentiation. The AVP will be responsible for managing a portfolio of initiatives, working closely with business stakeholders, understanding business functions, and providing operations expertise when strategizing.

The successful candidate will have a relentless curiosity and possess a passion for process improvement, removing obstacles, and creating innovative solutions to convert ideas into action. They will inspire and mentor a team of program managers and analysts, while also collaborating with senior leaders to develop and execute a winning strategy that aligns with enterprise objectives.

What you will do 

• Develop and execute a winning strategy that aligns with enterprise objectives
• Maintain business unit roadmap in collaboration with senior leaders that details the lifecycle of the programs that support the strategy and the growth of our portfolios
• Act as a subject matter expert on strategic initiatives and collaborate closely with business partners to drive success
• Establish a strong working relationship with business teams that enables collaboration & transparency and advise on digital capabilities
• Develop presentations and present to senior management and stakeholders used to articulate the vision and influence the strategic direction of the client experience
• Establish and communicate business team strategies and business plans to help shape the program roadmaps
• Constantly stay updated with the latest technology and digital practices. Advise internal teams and business units on emerging and relevant digital / industry trends
• Identify and manage risks and issues, generate detailed timelines and project schedules, and manage budgets

What you will bring 

• Demonstrated leadership and ability to deliver results with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
• 7-10+ years of program management experience with a proven ability to lead and deliver on strategic and tactical business objectives
• Ability to build trusting relationships, credibility, and strong communications skills to influence various stakeholders and connect partners to improve project decision-making
• A customer-obsessed mindset and curiosity. Consultant and client-side experience is a plus
• Experience with a platform approach to solving enterprise-level challenges
• Solid technical delivery, testing and production experience
• Demonstrated understanding of software delivery lifecycle and agile delivery framework.
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to a complex, matrix organization and adopt organizational methodologies and processes for effective project delivery, with strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple, often conflicting priorities to successful completion
• Experience making decisions based on policies, practices and project requirements
• Ability to adapt to a complex, multi-site, matrix organization and adopt organizational methodologies and processes
• Solid understanding of project management and methodology including the ability to identify and resolve issues
• Awareness of emerging technology and financial services industry trends
• Willingness to try new things and an appetite for continuous learning
• Travel required (10-15%) 

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. 

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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