AVP, Business Data

Permanent Full Time

The Assistant Vice-President, Business Data is accountable for the strategic management of Workplace Benefits & Retirement (WBR) data assets, ensuring data is governed, trusted, accessible and leveraged as a critical business asset. This role provides executive leadership for data strategy, stewardship, governance, quality and value realization across WBR.

Working in partnership with business leaders, enterprise data teams, risk and compliance functions, and technology partners, the AVP establishes the vision, framework and operating model required to maximize the value of data while supporting business growth, operational excellence, regulatory compliance and analytics and AI enablement.

This role is accountable for the business ownership and stewardship of data assets. Technology teams remain accountable for the delivery, operation and support of data platforms, infrastructure and technical solutions.

What You Will Do

Lead the WBR Data Strategy

• Establish and communicate the WBR data vision, strategy and multi-year roadmap aligned with enterprise priorities.
• Identify and prioritize strategic data investments to support business objectives and transformational initiatives.
• Translate enterprise data strategies into business capabilities and measurable outcomes for WBR.
• Champion data as a strategic asset that creates business value and competitive advantage.
• Drive Data Ownership and Stewardship

• Establish and maintain business ownership for key WBR data domains.
• Define and assign Data Owner and Data Steward accountabilities across the business.
• Ensure accountability for critical data elements and business definitions.
• Resolve ownership and accountability issues across business units.
• Promote consistent stewardship practices and governance disciplines.
• Enable Effective Data Governance

• Partner with enterprise governance functions to implement and maintain data governance practices.
• Champion adoption of enterprise data policies, standards and controls across WBR.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of business data definitions and metadata standards.
• Support governance forums, councils and decision-making processes.
• Ensure alignment with enterprise data lifecycle management and data access principles.
• Champion Data Quality

• Establish business-led data quality strategies and standards.
• Identify critical data elements and define quality requirements.
• Set business-aligned quality thresholds and performance expectations.
• Prioritize remediation activities based on business impact and risk.
• Oversee the assessment of root causes and business impacts associated with data quality issues.
• Advance Strategic Data Products and Information Assets

• Define and prioritize strategic business data products that support client, advisor and business outcomes.
• Ensure business ownership and adoption of data products and information assets.
• Partner with technology and analytics teams to deliver trusted and scalable solutions.
• Data Exchange Services
• Establish trusted, governed and high-quality data foundations that support analytics and AI initiatives.
• Partner with business and enterprise stakeholders to identify data requirements for advanced analytics and AI use cases.
• Promote the responsible use of data to drive insight, innovation and decision-making.
• Provide business leadership for data readiness while technology teams retain accountability for model engineering, platform management and technical delivery.
• Regulatory and Risk Oversight and Driving Value Realization

• Ensure compliance with applicable data-related regulatory, privacy, retention, audit and risk requirements.
• Partner with Risk, Compliance, Legal and Privacy teams to maintain effective controls and oversight.
• Monitor and manage business risks associated with data ownership, quality and governance.
• Establish measures to track and communicate the value of data as a business asset.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and business effectiveness through better data management.
• Monitor outcomes associated with strategic data investments and initiatives.
• What You Will Bring

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of data governance and stewardship professionals.
• Build strong relationships across WBR, Technology, Risk, Compliance and Enterprise Data teams.
• Influence senior leaders and stakeholders to advance data maturity and strategic priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, stewardship, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Champion enterprise change initiatives and the adoption of data-driven practices.
• Significant leadership experience in data strategy, data governance, data management or related business disciplines.
• Deep understanding of data governance, stewardship, quality management and data operating models.
• Experience leading enterprise-scale data transformation initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, privacy and risk considerations related to data management.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and drive cross-functional alignment.
• Strong strategic thinking, stakeholder management and change leadership capabilities.
• Experience supporting analytics, digital transformation and AI-enabled business initiatives.

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 [email protected]. 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.