AVP Portfolio Management & Governance

Permanent Full Time 

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Canada Life is strengthening enterprise delivery through the continued build‑out of a centralized Business Project Management Office (BPMO) within COBE. The Assistant Vice‑President, Portfolio Management & Governance is a critical leadership role that will shape how business‑led initiatives are prioritized, governed, and delivered—bringing greater consistency, transparency, and disciplined execution across the portfolio.

This leader will partner closely with senior business sponsors, Finance, Risk, and Technology counterparts to enable evidence‑based trade‑offs, stronger delivery oversight, and improved outcomes, while developing a high‑performing portfolio management and governance team.

What you will do 

• Provide strategic guidance and partnership to senior leaders by developing an integrated view of business priorities, delivery demand, and execution trade‑offs across the portfolio.
• Lead BPMO portfolio management and governance practices, including prioritization support, delivery health oversight, and sponsor decision enablement aligned to strategic objectives and investment frameworks.
• Partner with TPMO & Finance to champion evidence‑based prioritization by embedding data‑driven decision making into portfolio planning, sequencing, and trade‑off discussions.
• Support continuous improvement and transformation of delivery practices, including governance processes, communications, and ways of working that improve execution and reduce friction.
• Provide strong people leadership by building, coaching, and developing leaders and teams; set clear expectations and reinforce a high‑performance culture across the BPMO portfolio governance community.
• Strengthen financial and resource reporting across the portfolios, including forecasting, variance awareness, resource estimation, and demand/capacity alignment in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Support vendor and capacity strategies as needed to enable delivery outcomes, including engagement on vendor onboarding and optimizing capacity to meet priority work.
• Act as a visible senior leader in the BPMO build, contributing to leadership forums and guiding the evolution of governance and portfolio practices over time.

What you will bring 

• 10+ years of experience leading project, program, or portfolio management / delivery functions, including governance, prioritization, and executive decision support.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and lead through transformation while maintaining delivery discipline and stakeholder confidence.
• Strong executive partnership capability—able to influence without direct authority, challenge constructively, and build trusted relationships across a matrixed environment.
• Proven portfolio management and governance expertise, including shaping prioritization, managing trade‑offs, and strengthening oversight and reporting practices.
• Strong business acumen and storytelling skills—able to translate delivery performance, investment impact, and risk into executive‑ready insights.
• Financial and resource planning capability, including forecasting, capacity thinking, and promoting disciplined decision making aligned to business objectives.
• Experience working in a regulated environment (financial services preferred), with comfort partnering with Finance, Risk, and governance bodies.
• University degree in business, technology, or a related discipline; professional credentials such as PMP and/or Agile/Scrum training are considered assets.
  
• As this position is posted in several locations, we specify that bilingualism is an asset (fluent in French and English) but is required for Quebec only as the position will regularly serve our clients with French and English-speaking needs. 

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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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