Assistant Vice President, Strategy

The Canada Life Assurance Company • Toronto, ON

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior