Permanent Full Time

     Canada Life is seeking an AVP, Strategy to provide strategic leadership for the Workplace Benefits & Retirement (WBR) division. Reporting to the Senior Vice-President, Product & Strategy, this role will lead a team of strategy professionals and oversee a portfolio of strategic growth, transformation, and corporate development initiatives that shape the future direction of the business. As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, you will help define long-term business priorities, evaluate emerging opportunities, and drive initiatives that strengthen Canada Life's competitive position. You will play a key role in enterprise and divisional strategic planning, business transformation, strategic partnerships, and the development of growth strategies that advance organizational priorities and deliver measurable business outcomes.

What You Will Do

Lead strategy development and strategic planning for the Workplace Benefits & Retirement division, aligning business priorities with enterprise objectives. Lead and develop a high-performing team of Directors, Managers, and Strategy professionals. Oversee a portfolio of strategic growth and transformation initiatives, ensuring measurable business outcomes and successful execution. Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives, providing strategic insight, analysis, and recommendations on critical business decisions. Identify, evaluate, and lead strategic growth opportunities, including partnerships, corporate development, market expansion, and M&A opportunities. Lead business case development, financial analysis, due diligence activities, and executive recommendations for major investment decisions. Sponsor large-scale transformation initiatives, ensuring strong governance, stakeholder alignment, and value realization. Lead market assessments, competitive intelligence, and industry analysis to inform strategic decision-making. Develop and deliver executive, Board, and leadership presentations, communications, and strategic recommendations. Champion talent development, succession planning, and strategy team capability building.

What You Will Bring

10+ years of experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, corporate development, business transformation, or a related leadership role. Undergraduate degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Law, or a related field. MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred. Proven success leading leaders, developing high-performing teams, and delivering enterprise-level strategic initiatives. Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive alignment on complex strategic decisions. Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and analytical problem-solving capabilities. Experience leading or supporting M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, corporate development initiatives, or other inorganic growth opportunities. Strong financial modeling, business case development, and investment analysis experience. Outstanding communication and presentation skills, including experience supporting executive and Board-level decision-making. Experience in financial services, insurance, benefits, retirement, wealth, or a related industry is an asset. Expert proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.

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