Permanent Full Time 

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Director, AI Architecture

Canada Life has an ambition to apply human-led AI to innovate, elevate customer service, and accelerate growth across the organization. Achieving this ambition requires strong, enterprise-grade AI architecture that enables scalable delivery while managing risk and complexity.

Reporting to the AVP, AI Engineering & Architecture, the Director, AI Architecture provides architectural leadership for AI platforms, services, and solutions across Canada Life. This role is accountable for defining and evolving the enterprise AI target-state architecture, guiding solution design, and ensuring AI initiatives are architected in a secure, scalable, and compliant manner aligned with business and technology strategy.

This role partners closely with AI solution delivery, enterprise architecture, and business teams to translate strategy into actionable architectural direction, balancing long-term architectural integrity with near-term delivery outcomes in a regulated, complex enterprise environment.

What you will do

• Accountable for ensuring high-quality delivery of AI and data-driven solutions that align with business unit and enterprise architecture principles
• Define, own, and evolve the target-state AI architecture, including platforms, model lifecycle patterns, data flows, integrations, and infrastructure
• Proactively identify opportunities to apply AI and advanced analytics to enhance business capabilities and operational efficiency
• Research and recommend emerging AI technologies, architecture patterns, and industry best practices
• Guide and sponsor early-stage AI initiatives, including discovery, proof-of-concept, and pilot efforts
• Support business strategy development through AI architecture roadmaps, design options, and investment proposals
• Ensure AI solutions meet non-functional requirements including security, resilience, scalability, explainability, privacy, and operational supportability
• Provide architectural guidance and approval for AI-enabled solution designs developed by Solution Architects
• Bring architecturally significant AI decisions to architecture governance and review bodies
• Drive a high-performance culture across AI and solution architecture teams

What you will bring

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in complex, regulated IT environments with deep architecture experience
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience across architecture, delivery, or technology teams
• Prior experience as a Senior Solution Architect, Portfolio Architect, Enterprise Architect, or AI Architect
• Strong understanding of AI, data, and analytics architecture including model lifecycle management and data pipelines
• Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks and tools (e.g., TOGAF, UML, ArchiMate, LeanIX, ServiceNow)
• Working knowledge of AI risk, data governance, privacy, and regulatory considerations
• Ability to balance long-term architectural direction with near-term delivery pressures
• Product and platform mindset with experience enabling technology-driven business change
• Strong awareness of emerging AI and data technology trends

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The base salary for this position is between $149,000 tp $199,000 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 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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