AVP Operational Risk Management | Great West

Permanent Full Time

Great-West Lifeco is seeking an Assistant Vice President, Operational Risk to support the enterprise-wide management of non-technology operational risk and resilience. The role contributes to the ongoing development, implementation, and embedding of globally consistent frameworks, standards, and methodologies that enable the business to identify, assess, and manage operational risks and strengthen resilience outcomes across the organization.

Working closely with senior leadership, this role supports second-line oversight and provides independent challenge to ensure effective application of frameworks and tools and strong, consistent risk outcomes across the Lifeco group of companies.

What you will do

• Support the development, maintenance, and continuous enhancement of the operational risk and resilience management frameworks, methodologies, and policies across all non-technology operational risk categories (including business continuity, third-party, data, people, and process risks).
• Drive the effective implementation and embedding of operational risk and resilience frameworks across business units, ensuring consistency of approach, clear accountability, and sustained adoption.
• Assess, monitor, and report on the consolidated operational risk profile against risk appetite, providing clear insights and supporting decision-making for senior management and governance forums.
• Support the effective operation and continuous improvement of operational risk tools, data, and analytics to enhance risk insights, scalability, and reporting.
• Collaborate with first line and other second-line teams to promote a unified and coordinated approach to operational risk and resilience, aligned to the three lines of defence model.
• Contribute to the identification and assessment of emerging operational risks (including those related to evolving business models, third-party ecosystems, data, automation, and AI), ensuring frameworks remain fit-for-purpose.
• Act as a key point of engagement with internal stakeholders, fostering a strong risk-aware culture and supporting effective challenge and oversight.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, collaborative team, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and delivery.

What you will bring

• Demonstrated experience in operational risk management or business operations, with strong knowledge of non-technology operational risk frameworks and practices.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver outcomes in complex, matrixed environments, with a strong focus on execution, continuous improvement, and measurable results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to synthesize risk information into clear, actionable insights.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex risk concepts for diverse audiences and operate as a trusted partner to the business.
• Understanding of the broader organizational strategy and how operational risk practices support delivery of strategic objectives.
• Working knowledge of emerging risk themes, including data, third-party ecosystems, automation, and AI, and their implications for operational risk and resilience.
• Relevant professional qualifications in risk management, finance, or related disciplines are considered an asset.

The base salary for this position is between $142,700 - $192,700 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.

Grow with Great-West Lifeco 

Great-West Lifeco Inc is a Canadian headquarter, international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses. We operate in Canada, the United States, and Europe under the brands: Canada Life, Empower and Irish Life. At the end of 2024, our companies had over 32,250 employees, 106,000 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners – serving approximately 40 million customer relationships.

Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies.

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 Great-West Lifeco.  

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 Great-West Lifeco policies.  

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