AVP Security Strategy and Research

Permanent Full Time 

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We are looking for an AVP, Security Strategy and Research.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, a robust security strategy is vital for protecting business operations, enabling innovation, and staying ahead of emerging threats. The AVP, Security Strategy and Research plays a key leadership role in crafting and evangelising a comprehensive information security strategy that aligns with the business strategy and technology objectives.  

Reporting to the VP, Business Information Security Officer, you will leverage the industry research to shape our security trajectory, balancing visionary thinking and practical execution. You will act as both a strategic guide and inspiring spokesperson, effectively articulating our evolving security journey to stakeholders across the company and the industry at large.

What you will do 

• Develop and communicate a comprehensive information security and technology risk strategy that aligns with business strategy, technology objectives and industry advancements
• Craft and maintain a strategic security roadmap in partnership with the Security and Tech Risk leadership team, ensuring alignment with the enterprise reference architecture, business priorities and emerging threats
• Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture and security leaders to recommend actionable security insights into strategic business and technology initiatives
• Enable a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the security and tech risk function by providing actionable industry insights and thought leadership to advance security capabilities
• Evangelize our security journey, translating complex security concepts into compelling narratives that inspire adoption, drive alignment, and demonstrate business value
• Lead security research efforts on emerging threats, industry trends, and innovations, ensuring the organization is well-positioned for the future
• Manage and utilize industry research subscriptions and partnerships to aggregate and disseminate relevant content for technical and business audiences
• Stay ahead of emerging threats, technologies, and regulatory changes to provide strategic insights and innovative solutions
• Evaluate emerging security technologies and framework, providing recommendations for adoption
• Create executive-level presentations, whitepapers, and briefings to communicate security strategies effectively
• Represent Canada Life in industry forums, conferences, and working groups, sharing thought leadership and influencing security best practices
• Build and lead a high-performing strategy and research team, providing mentorship and fostering continuous learning and improvement

What you will bring

• Advanced degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or a related field preferred
• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, technology risk, or related fields, with strong track record of crafting security strategy in large, complex organization
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, TOGAF, SABSA or equivalent
• In-depth knowledge of security frameworks, emerging threats, and risk mitigation strategies
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements in financial services
• Deep understanding of emerging security technologies and paradigm shifts such as cloud security, Zero Trust, AI security, quantum computing risks, and other evolving technologies
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to translate complex security concepts into compelling narratives for technical and executive audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels
• Experience representing an organization in industry forums, speaking at conferences, or contributing to publications
• Strong analytical skills to assess the viability of emerging technologies and frameworks
• Proven ability to conduct security research and translate findings into strategic recommendations
• Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and personalities, adapting management styles to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes

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. 

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.

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. 

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com.

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

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