AVP Business Analysis

The Canada Life Assurance Company•Toronto, ON

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Canada Life is strengthening how we deliver business-led change through the continued build-out of a centralized Business Project Management Office (BPMO). We are seeking an AVP, Business Analysis to build and lead a modern, high-performing business analysis practice. This is a unique opportunity to shape how business needs are defined, structured, and translated into meaningful outcomes across our enterprise portfolio. In this role, you will ensure that initiatives are well-defined, outcome-driven, and positioned for successful delivery and adoption, partnering closely with senior leaders across business, technology, finance, and risk.

Requirements

10-15 years significant experience leading or scaling a Business Analysis practice in a large, complex, and preferably regulated environment.
Proven ability to build or mature a business analysis capability in a complex, matrixed environment
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex analysis into clear, actionable requirements.
Experience working across strategy, portfolio, and delivery layers
Deep expertise in: Requirements documentation, management and traceability, Business process design and optimization, Stakeholder facilitation and engagement, Solution validation and value realization
Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and transformation and bridge business and technology perspectives
Experience leading business case development, outcome measurement, and investment prioritization/trade-off discussions
Understanding of delivery lifecycles (Agile, hybrid, or traditional)
Experience in a regulated environment (financial services preferred)

Nice To Haves

Certifications such as CBAP, PMI-PBA, Agile/Scrum, or Lean Six Sigma are considered assets

Responsibilities

Establish and lead a high-performing Business Analysis function within the BPMO
Define framework, standards, tools, and ways of working that drive consistency and quality across initiatives
Oversee business analysis activities across programs and projects, including: Requirements elicitation and documentation, Process design and improvement; solution validation and acceptance
Enable clear definition of reporting, data, and information requirements, including partnering with Technology to document data and non-functional requirements
Provide mobilisation support to initiatives, including shaping BA scope, approach, and resourcing needs.
Build a strong community of practice, including coaching, mentoring, and capability development
Define how Business Analysts are embedded within business initiatives while remaining aligned to a single enterprise BA practice.
Partner with business leaders and the Portfolio Management & Governance team to ensure initiatives are clearly defined, outcome focused, and supported by strong problem statements and business cases
Lead BA intake, discovery, and shaping activities to improve the quality of work entering the portfolio
Partner with the Program & Project Management team to ensure requirements are clear, complete, and execution-ready
Reduce delivery friction by driving clarity and alignment across stakeholders
Support post-implementation reviews and design of Day-2 operating models, including roles, processes, controls, and hand-offs required for sustainable operations.
Ensure initiatives have clearly defined success measures, KPIs, and outcomes
Lead process mapping, optimization, and redesign efforts
Promote a strong focus on customer journeys and outcomes
Introduce modern analysis practices, including data-informed and human-centered approaches

Benefits

Opportunities for career advancement
access to industry-leading learning programs
up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement
Flexible health and dental benefits
$5,000 mental health benefit
In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
Company-matching pension plan
share ownership program
additional investment options
Employee recognition programs
service milestone celebrations
employee discounts
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
mentorship programs
social clubs and events