About the Role
Canada Life is seeking an AVP, Strategy to provide strategic leadership for the Workplace Benefits & Retirement (WBR) division. This role will lead a team of strategy professionals and oversee strategic growth, transformation, and corporate development initiatives. 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's competitive position.
Responsibilities
- Lead strategy development and strategic planning for the Workplace Benefits & Retirement division, aligning business priorities with enterprise objectives.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of Directors, Managers, and Strategy professionals.
- Oversee a portfolio of strategic growth and transformation initiatives, ensuring measurable business outcomes and successful execution.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives, providing strategic insight, analysis, and recommendations on critical business decisions.
- Identify, evaluate, and lead strategic growth opportunities, including partnerships, corporate development, market expansion, and M&A opportunities.
- Lead business case development, financial analysis, due diligence activities, and executive recommendations for major investment decisions.
- Sponsor large-scale transformation initiatives, ensuring strong governance, stakeholder alignment, and value realization.
- Lead market assessments, competitive intelligence, and industry analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
- Develop and deliver executive, Board, and leadership presentations, communications, and strategic recommendations.
- Champion talent development, succession planning, and strategy team capability building.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, corporate development, business transformation, or a related leadership role.
- Undergraduate degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Law, or a related field.
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
- Proven success leading leaders, developing high-performing teams, and delivering enterprise-level strategic initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive alignment on complex strategic decisions.
- Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and analytical problem-solving capabilities.
- Experience leading or supporting M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, corporate development initiatives, or other inorganic growth opportunities.
- Strong financial modeling, business case development, and investment analysis experience.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, including experience supporting executive and Board-level decision-making.
- Experience in financial services, insurance, benefits, retirement, wealth, or a related industry is an asset.
- Expert proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
Skills
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
Location
- Canada
Work Type
- Permanent
- Full Time
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- 10+ years
Education Level
- Undergraduate degree
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree
Benefits
- Career Development opportunities
- Access to industry-leading learning programs
- $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement
- Flexible health and dental benefits
- $5,000 mental health benefit
- Volunteer day
- Company-matching pension plan
- Share ownership program
- Additional investment options
- Employee recognition programs
- Service milestone celebrations
- Employee discounts
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Mentorship programs
- Social clubs and events
About the Company
- Canada Life is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.
- We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career.
- We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported.
Equal Opportunity
- We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment.
- Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com.
- All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.
