AVP, Strategy

Permanent Full Time 

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The Strategy Team is a critical function within Canada Life. We support all of our lines of business to think 5-10 years ahead, and ensure our business is future-proofed – pivoting with rapidly evolving trends in demographics, regulation, technology, and shifting customer and advisor needs.

The team drives both corporate and business unit strategy development. Unlike other strategy teams, this team gets heavily involved in solution design and the set-up/launch/and early-stage execution of large-scale transformations. Recent examples include the acquisitions of Investment Planning Counsel and Value Partners – Canada Life’s latest investments in Wealth Distribution.

These transformations are high-visibility, high-impact, large-ticket items, which usually go to our Board for approvals. Expect to cover things from long-term technology changes, vendor engagement, M&A, AI transformation, manufacturing and distribution across Workplace Benefits and Retirement, Insurance Solutions, and Individual Wealth, as well as the Canada Life Board strategy process. 

The team will heavily engage our President and COO, other EVPs and SVPs across the organizations, and leaders across our holding company Great West Life and Affiliates (e.g., PowerCorp, Sagard, Portage, etc).  The team is made up of ex-top-tier consultants and strategists.

What you will do

• Lead engagement teams of 1 to 4 managers and analysts – with end-to-end ownership of the strategy, design, and launch of a transformation project; sometimes on multiple projects
• Deliver across the full life-cycle of a transformation, from diagnostic, business casing, approvals, to solution design and transformation office set up
• Work closely with business leaders, external consultants, vendors, and other stakeholders independently and proactively
• Provide analytical backing for majority of decisions – we are a fact-based, data-driven company
• Develop financial models for M&A or partnership opportunities
• Conduct market scans and competitor insights from industry associations, publications, and research reports
• Support in sourcing, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding talent
• Ensure strategy translates to clear business plans, with measurable outcomes, and communicate those with the involved departments
• Perform other related duties e.g., represent strategic vision across departments to ensure alignment
• Support in the creation and dissemination of board, investor day, and CEO Leadership table materials

What you will bring

• 10+ years of top-tier management consulting or corporate strategy experience
• Multiple years of formal people leadership experience
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate, propose, and integrate AI-driven solutions into long‑term corporate strategy, leveraging emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, decision‑making, and competitive advantage
• Undergraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or Engineering preferred
• MBA, or equivalent, preferred; other comparable professional designations considered
• Track record on end-to-end ownership of projects and managing high-performing teams
• Strong business acumen, with demonstrated aptitude for strategic, analytical and critical thinking
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, influencing, and relationship building skills
• Experience coaching and mentoring, especially in analytical, strategy and/or communications skills
• Excellent analytical skills, including financial analysis, research and complex modeling
• Expert in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel
• Experience interview, hiring, and building teams

IIf

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.

Grow with Canada Life 

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.  

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! 

What we offer:  

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: 

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement. 

• Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being. 

• Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.  

• Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options. 

• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!  
• Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.  

Learn more about Canada Life.  

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.  

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

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