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Assistant Vice President, Strategy (Toronto, ON, CA) @ The Canada Life Assurance Company

Toronto, ON, CAOnsiteFull-time
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<p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray">Permanent Full Time </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:white">-</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Canada Life is seeking an AVP, Strategy to provide strategic leadership for the Workplace Benefits &amp; Retirement (WBR) division. Reporting to the Senior Vice-President, Product &amp; Strategy, this role will lead a team of strategy professionals and oversee a portfolio of strategic growth, transformation, and corporate development initiatives that shape the future direction of the business.</span></p> <h1 style="margin:24.0pt 0.0cm 0.0cm;line-height:115%;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;color:#365f91"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;color:dimgray;font-weight:normal">As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, you will help define long-term business priorities, evaluate emerging opportunities, and drive initiatives that strengthen Canada Life&apos;s competitive position. You will play a key role in enterprise and divisional strategic planning, business transformation, strategic partnerships, and the development of growth strategies that advance organizational priorities and deliver measurable business outcomes.</span></h1> <h1><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">What You Will Do:</span></strong></h1> <ul> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Lead strategy development and strategic planning for the Workplace Benefits &amp; Retirement division, aligning business priorities with enterprise objectives.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Lead and develop a high-performing team of Directors, Managers, and Strategy professionals.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Oversee a portfolio of strategic growth and transformation initiatives, ensuring measurable business outcomes and successful execution.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives, providing strategic insight, analysis, and recommendations on critical business decisions.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Identify, evaluate, and lead strategic growth opportunities, including partnerships, corporate development, market expansion, and M&amp;A opportunities.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Lead business case development, financial analysis, due diligence activities, and executive recommendations for major investment decisions.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Sponsor large-scale transformation initiatives, ensuring strong governance, stakeholder alignment, and value realization.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Lead market assessments, competitive intelligence, and industry analysis to inform strategic decision-making.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Develop and deliver executive, Board, and leadership presentations, communications, and strategic recommendations.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Champion talent development, succession planning, and strategy team capability building.</span></li> </ul> <h1><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">What You Will Bring:</span></strong></h1> <ul> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">10+ years of experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, corporate development, business transformation, or a related leadership role.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Undergraduate degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Law, or a related field.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Proven success leading leaders, developing high-performing teams, and delivering enterprise-level strategic initiatives.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive alignment on complex strategic decisions.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and analytical problem-solving capabilities.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Experience leading or supporting M&amp;A transactions, strategic partnerships, corporate development initiatives, or other inorganic growth opportunities.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Strong financial modeling, business case development, and investment analysis experience.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Outstanding communication and presentation skills, including experience supporting executive and Board-level decision-making.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Experience in financial services, insurance, benefits, retirement, wealth, or a related industry is an asset.</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray">Expert proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.</span></li> </ul><p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:white">-</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray">Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><strong>Grow with Canada Life</strong> </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><em>We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country. </em> </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><em>We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you!</em> </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><strong>What we offer</strong>: </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray">We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member: </span></p> <ul style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in" type="disc"> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><strong>Career Development</strong>: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement. </span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in" type="disc"> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><strong>Health &amp; Wellness:</strong> Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being. </span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in" type="disc"> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><strong>Time Off:</strong> In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day. </span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in" type="disc"> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><strong>Financial Security:</strong> Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options. </span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in" type="disc"> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><strong>Rewards and Recognition: </strong>Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!<strong> </strong> </span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:dimgray"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><strong>Emphasis on Community</strong>: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events. </span></li> </ul> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray">Learn more about <a style="color:dimgray" href="https://www.canadalife.com/about-us.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canada Life</a>. </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><em>We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact </em><a style="color:dimgray" href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>[email protected]</em></a><em>. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.</em> </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray"><strong><em>Canada Life</em></strong><strong><em> </em></strong><strong><em>would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted</em></strong>. </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt;color:dimgray">#LI-Hybrid </span></p>

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