AVP, Strategy, Planning and Operational Risk

Role Overview

• Drive Strategic Vision & Growth
• Identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities that strengthen our business model and create new revenue streams
• Develop compelling analyses and actionable strategies that influence C-suite decision-making
• Lead senior strategy sessions, partnering with cross-functional leaders to maintain and evolve our 5-year strategic plan
• Monitor competitive landscapes and anticipate 5-10 year industry trends, positioning Sun Life Health ahead of the curve
• Uncover strategic partnership and growth opportunities that accelerate our mission
• Lead Strategic Planning & Execution
• Facilitate development of business objectives and key results (OKRs), ensuring alignment across the organization
• Design executive-level dashboards tracking strategic metrics and translating insights into action
• Deliver impactful executive briefings that drive informed decision-making
• Connect strategy to execution, ensuring plans translate into measurable outcomes
• Build World-Class Risk & Governance Frameworks
• Design and implement governance structures that enable—rather than obstruct—strategic goals
• Champion operational risk culture throughout Sun Life Health, making risk management a competitive advantage
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Audit to create efficient, effective oversight that meets regulatory requirements
• Proactively identify emerging risks and opportunities, ensuring appropriate escalation and mitigation
• Lead regulatory compliance initiatives, managing working groups and ensuring business readiness for legislative changes
• Influence & Collaborate Across the Enterprise
• Communicate complex strategies clearly and compellingly to executive audiences
• Build strong partnerships across silos, connecting dots between Group Benefits, Sun Life Health, and Canada operations
• Tailor communication to maximize buy-in and foster productive relationships at all levels
• Develop High-Performing Teams
• Provide inspiring, collaborative leadership to strategy, governance, and risk professionals
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and excellence
• Champion professional development, engagement, and well-being within your team

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive business experience, with demonstrated strategic impact
• Extensive strategy expertise with proven ability to develop and execute complex strategic initiatives
• Insurance or financial services background (ideally in group benefits)
• Leadership in highly regulated environments, with experience introducing innovation within compliance constraints
• People and budget management experience leading high-performing teams
• Risk and governance expertise, including oversight of risk management frameworks
• Bilingualism (French, English, both oral and written) is required for Quebec

Benefits

• Purpose-driven work: Help millions of Canadians live healthier lives
• Strategic impact: Shape the future of a critical business priority for Sun Life
• Growth opportunity: Lead strategy during a transformational period in healthcare
• Collaborative culture: Work with talented leaders across a respected organization
• Innovation focus: Balance governance with entrepreneurial thinking in a dynamic environment