Manager, Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management
Permanent Full Time
-
As Canada Life continues to modernize and transform Operations, the Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management Manager plays a critical role in ensuring strategic investments, transformation initiatives, and operational priorities are aligned to business objectives and deliver measurable value.
This role leads the annual planning cycle for Canada Operations and Business Enablement (COBE), provides oversight of the Operations portfolio, and drives governance, financial transparency, and benefits realization across the Operations Modernization program.
Working closely with Operations, Business Enablement, and Finance leaders, the Operations Performance Manager provides a holistic view of priorities, investments, and performance to support informed decision-making and effective execution. The role combines strategic planning, portfolio management, financial analysis, and business performance management to help Operations achieve its transformation and business goals.
What you will do
-
Lead the annual planning cycle for Canada Operations and Business Enablement, ensuring investments and initiatives are aligned to strategic priorities.
-
Manage the Operations Modernization program, ensuring initiatives remain focused on delivering measurable business value and benefits realization.
-
Maintain an integrated view of the Operations portfolio, providing leaders with visibility into priorities, dependencies, risks, resource requirements, and outcomes.
-
Partner with Finance and business leaders to manage initiative budgets, forecasts, expenses, and cost allocations, ensuring transparency and effective financial stewardship.
-
Lead the development of program-level business cases and ensure initiatives have clearly defined objectives, benefits, costs, assumptions, and success measures.
-
Support financial analysis and business case development for strategic investments, including ROI assessments, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
-
Develop executive-level reporting, dashboards, and presentations that provide clear insight into portfolio performance, financial results, and strategic progress.
-
Support monthly, quarterly, and annual business reviews by consolidating operational, financial, and portfolio performance information.
-
Monitor portfolio performance and benefits realization, identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities to improve outcomes.
-
Facilitate collaboration across Operations, Business Enablement, Finance, Technology, and business teams to drive alignment and informed decision-making.
-
Translate complex information from multiple sources into meaningful insights and actionable recommendations for leaders.
-
Ensure program and portfolio activities remain aligned to business strategies, operational priorities, and organizational goals.
-
Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, governance practices, reporting capabilities, and portfolio management effectiveness.
-
Build strong relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on planning, performance, and strategic initiatives.
-
Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, continuous improvement, and results-driven execution.
What you will bring
-
10+ years of experience in strategic planning, portfolio management, business performance, finance, operations, program management, or business transformation.
-
Post-secondary education in Business, Finance, Commerce, Economics, Operations Management, or a related discipline; MBA, CPA, PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma designations are assets.
-
Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, business case development, investment analysis, and benefits realization.
-
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and identify practical solutions.
-
Proven ability to connect disparate information and develop a holistic view of organizational performance, priorities, and opportunities.
-
Strategic mindset combined with strong execution skills and attention to detail.
-
Demonstrated ability to influence and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups and leadership levels.
-
Excellent relationship-building skills and a track record of establishing trusted partnerships.
-
Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience preparing executive-ready materials and recommendations.
-
Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
-
Experience supporting complex transformation, modernization, or operational improvement initiatives.
-
Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
-
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 applications.
-
A collaborative leadership style with the confidence to challenge constructively and drive positive outcomes.
-
The base salary for this position is between $90,400 - $140,400 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.
#LI-Hybrid
Toronto, ON, CA London, ON, CA Winnipeg, MB, CA