AVP Operational Risk Management | Great West

The Canada Life Assurance Company•Toronto, ON

2d•CA$142,700 - CA$192,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Great-West Lifeco is seeking an Assistant Vice President, Operational Risk to support the enterprise-wide management of non-technology operational risk and resilience. The role contributes to the ongoing development, implementation, and embedding of globally consistent frameworks, standards, and methodologies that enable the business to identify, assess, and manage operational risks and strengthen resilience outcomes across the organization. Working closely with senior leadership, this role supports second-line oversight and provides independent challenge to ensure effective application of frameworks and tools and strong, consistent risk outcomes across the Lifeco group of companies.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience in operational risk management or business operations, with strong knowledge of non-technology operational risk frameworks and practices.
Proven ability to lead teams and deliver outcomes in complex, matrixed environments, with a strong focus on execution, continuous improvement, and measurable results.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to synthesize risk information into clear, actionable insights.
Effective stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex risk concepts for diverse audiences and operate as a trusted partner to the business.
Understanding of the broader organizational strategy and how operational risk practices support delivery of strategic objectives.
Working knowledge of emerging risk themes, including data, third-party ecosystems, automation, and AI, and their implications for operational risk and resilience.

Nice To Haves

Relevant professional qualifications in risk management, finance, or related disciplines are considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Support the development, maintenance, and continuous enhancement of the operational risk and resilience management frameworks, methodologies, and policies across all non-technology operational risk categories (including business continuity, third-party, data, people, and process risks).
Drive the effective implementation and embedding of operational risk and resilience frameworks across business units, ensuring consistency of approach, clear accountability, and sustained adoption.
Assess, monitor, and report on the consolidated operational risk profile against risk appetite, providing clear insights and supporting decision-making for senior management and governance forums.
Support the effective operation and continuous improvement of operational risk tools, data, and analytics to enhance risk insights, scalability, and reporting.
Collaborate with first line and other second-line teams to promote a unified and coordinated approach to operational risk and resilience, aligned to the three lines of defence model.
Contribute to the identification and assessment of emerging operational risks (including those related to evolving business models, third-party ecosystems, data, automation, and AI), ensuring frameworks remain fit-for-purpose.
Act as a key point of engagement with internal stakeholders, fostering a strong risk-aware culture and supporting effective challenge and oversight.
Lead and develop a high-performing, collaborative team, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and delivery.