AVP, Group Retirement Services Product & Solutions

Permanent Full Time 

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We are looking for an AVP, Group Retirement Services Product & Solutions.

Reporting to the SVP, Product and Workplace Solutions Strategy, the AVP, GRS Product & Solutions maintains the pulse on market trends, competitive landscape and other industry developments, creating the product shelf vision and setting a 3-5 year roadmap. In this role, the AVP will also maintain and support Canada Life’s existing product lineup and identify ways to maximize the upside potential on existing products and services.  This role will also be accountable for transforming the experience for plan sponsors and advisors by developing and overseeing the execution of strategies that will improve access to data and plan administration tools.

What you will do:

Product Strategy

• Take a leadership role in creating a product roadmap for GRS that incorporates a view core in plan products, ancillary and voluntary member products and individual and member cross-sell products
• Play a key role in developing the customer strategy and value proposition, incorporating a view of integrated go-to-market approach, segmentation strategy and voluntary product strategy
• Participate in development of strategy to deepen relationships with customers and improve retention
• Establish a highly collaborative relationship with GRS sales leaders to achieve sales and business growth

Product ideation, development and ownership

• Develop ideas for enhancing the GRS product and service offering, considering context of market trends
• Oversee testing and validation of proposed products and services and ongoing performance of those products
• Play a key role in working with other partners to develop new and enhanced products and services
• Monitor performance of existing products (DCPP, Group RRSP, DPSP, RRIF/LRIF, TFSA)

Market research and competitive intelligence

• Track emerging trends in the marketplace and recommending trends to respond to emerging themes and market challenges
• Conduct competitive intelligence to ensure a market-leading product and service offering in the group retirement space

Product Specialist support

• Oversee content development of training materials for product and service enhancements or new launches and all in force materials
• Responsible for the GRS product shelf life overall; meeting contract requirements on product function within the Canada Life ecosystem
• Maintaining regulatory and compliance requirements for all materials and sales support

Plan sponsor and advisor experience strategy

• Partner with Great West LifeCo. subsidiaries to bring global best practices in wealth to Canada Life GRS in support of the long-term strategy
• Develop and maintain strategic business relationships with but not limited to the VP, GRS and AVP, Strategy on the development of the GRS experience strategy and action plans to enhance our value proposition with advisors, consultants and clients
• Provide direction and oversight on the transformation and continuous improvement of our GRS offering to mitigate risk, drive cost efficiencies, and improve the customer experience

What we are looking for:

• 10+ years of product design experience with an understanding of pricing and underwriting principles coupled with previous success in client-facing or field roles in product development

• Relevant university education and financial background are considered an asset.
• A track record of designing new products and services for Group Retirement Services that meet customer and plan sponsor demands and drive business growth
• Experience in introducing new concepts that have expanded the market and increased penetration
• Experience testing and validating product concepts, running pilots and driving towards implementation
• Experience in establishing strategic business relationships, both within and outside of our industry
• Knowledge of the development and maintenance of stock plans
• An understanding of the business environment and customer needs with the ability to identify business opportunities that create competitive advantages
• An understanding of how market and product development can further strategic goals and the vision for the Workplace Solutions organization
• Understanding of pricing and underwriting principles coupled with previous success in client-facing or field roles in product development
• Experience working with key market sources within the advisor, consulting and client community.
• A structured thinking approach in critically evaluating business problems and identifying solutions Innovative and visionary thinking; willingness to bring new concepts or approaches to market
• Ability to foster an environment that encourages new approaches, challenges the status quo and inspires creativity and risk-taking while protecting the core
• The ability to attract, engage, motivate and develop talent to build the right team to meet strategic direction and tomorrow’s needs coupled with leadership skills to help others navigate through change
• Adeptness at fostering collaborative relationships across functions in the business and facilitating cooperation; strong ability to network inside and outside of the organization
• A drive for results that contributes to change processes that improve organizational performance and creates a culture of accountability
• Experience leading large-scale, complex and fast-paced initiatives during periods of significant change.
• Bilingualism in English and French is a strong asset. If the successful candidate is located in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various jurisdictions outside of Quebec.

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The base salary for this position is between  $111,000 - $205,500 annually.  This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation ( i.e. annual bonus, commission etc).  If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.

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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