Director, Operations Strategy & Performance

Permanent Full Time 

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The Director, COBE Enablement is accountable for enabling the successful execution of the organization’s strategy, with a strong focus on enterprise alignment, governance, planning discipline, and leadership enablement. This role operates at the intersection of strategy and execution—translating the 5 year strategic roadmap into actionable plans, measurable outcomes, and transparent reporting across the Canada Operations & Business Enablement portfolio.

This leader provides the operating backbone for Canada Operations & Business Enablement (COBE) by establishing and running the annual and quarterly planning cadence, performance reporting, recognition programs, and leadership forums that ensure clarity, accountability, and momentum. Working across business, technology, and enabling functions, the Director, COBE Enablement creates the conditions for leaders and teams to deliver results—without owning delivery directly.

What you will do 

• Enable execution of the Canada Operations & Business Enablement strategy by translating strategic priorities into clear operating rhythms, governance structures, and measurable outcomes aligned to the 5 year strategic roadmap.
• Lead annual and quarterly planning for the Canada Operations & Business Enablement portfolio, including priority setting, dependency management, progress tracking, and preparation of materials for senior leadership forums.
• Own portfolio-level reporting and insights, providing clear, concise, and decision-oriented updates on progress, risks, dependencies, and outcomes for executive and governance audiences.
• Design and enable Director+ leadership forums, ensuring the right conversations occur at the right level to drive alignment, unblock issues, and accelerate delivery through facilitation, influence, and stakeholder alignment rather than direct decision ownership.
• Partner closely with Technology, Business PMO, Finance, and Communications leaders to ensure integrated planning, consistent messaging, and coordinated execution.
• Lead recognition and engagement mechanisms, including the contribution to employee awards, to reinforce desired behaviours, outcomes, and culture.
• Act as a strategic connector across initiatives, identifying interdependencies, surfacing risks early, and enabling leaders to make informed trade-offs and decisions by influencing outcomes across a diverse stakeholder group.

What you will bring 

• Proven experience operating at a Director level in complex, enterprise environments, enabling execution across multiple portfolios or large-scale strategic initiatives.
• Strong strategic and systems thinking, with the ability to connect long-term vision to near-term plans, metrics, and operating discipline.
• Deep strength in planning, governance, and reporting, with a track record of creating clarity and momentum without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Exceptional stakeholder leadership and influence skills, with confidence engaging VP and SVP-level leaders across business and technology.
• Comfort working in high ambiguity and rapid change, particularly in emerging domains
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear executive insights, enabling effective decision-making at senior leadership tables.
• Strong collaboration mindset, partnering effectively with Finance, Change, Communications, and Technology to deliver integrated outcomes.
• A leadership style grounded in trust, transparency, and accountability, with a passion for enabling others to succeed.

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The base salary for this position is between $128,200- $178,200 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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