Data Analyst, Rewards & Recognition

Sun Life • Waterloo, ON

2d • CA$58,000 - CA$93,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Data Analyst – Reward & Recognition focuses on Rewards, Recognition, and Field Performance Analytics within Sun Life’s Distribution organization. This role sits at the intersection of data modeling, forecasting, reporting automation, and executive decision support, with a strong emphasis on advisor and field leader incentive programs. The Data Analyst not only produces analyses but also designs and owns analytical frameworks that shape how Recognition programs are structured, forecasted, and governed. The Data Analyst is responsible for designing, forecasting, and automating advisor and field leader recognition programs, translating complex business rules into scalable analytical frameworks and executive-ready insights.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years' experience in data analytics and business intelligence, including predictive analytics and data modeling.
• Degree in business administration, finance, economics, computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or equivalent is required.
• Experience building and maintaining Excel Macros, VBA programs, Tableau as a creator.
• Experience using data analysis tools such as Microsoft SQL server, Python, or similar.
• Expert knowledge in the Microsoft suite of products (Excel, Word etc.) with proven experience with VBA, as well as advanced Excel functions.
• Proficient in data investigation and compilation with multiple data sources.
• Technical aptitude: ability to learn new tools and software quickly and understand technical concepts.
• Builds context by pushing beyond "how things are done" to understand "why" and uncover the underlying principles shaping the business.
• Ability to extract, manipulate and simplify data through a variety of tools and techniques.
• Process improvement skills with a demonstrated ability to produce meaningful results from data.

Nice To Haves

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to explain business concepts to IT partners, and technical concepts to business partners.
• Attention to detail and in-depth planning, organizational and time management skills.
• Positive attitude to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and quickly find alternative solutions to challenges.
• Flexibility: Ability to accept change, and adapt well to ambiguous situations.
• Highly motivated individual who can execute independently with minimal direction.
• Strong analysis, investigative and problem-solving skills.
• Innovative thinker; able to identify and champion proposals for approval.

Responsibilities

• Design, maintain, and evolve qualification models for major Recognition programs, including defining and applying multi-track qualification frameworks using sales data, translating business rules into auditable, repeatable calculation logic, and presenting modeling insights and program proposals to the Recognition team and senior leadership.
• Lead forecasting exercises to project future-year qualifiers and program sizing, typically using rolling 12-month production windows, growth assumptions provided by Finance and Recognition teams, and sensitivity analysis on thresholds to manage prestige and budget constraints.
• Build and maintain Tableau dashboards and analytical views used by leadership and field teams, including program status dashboards, district/advisor/manager performance views, and qualifier visibility reporting. Develop and maintain datasets and reporting tables by acquiring data from multiple sources to support scalable reporting. Analyze and model data to deliver interactive visualizations and insights that inform strategic decisions and drive field performance.
• Standardize recurring campaign and recognition processes, document end-to-end workflows, and propose automation using Tableau, Power Query, and Power Automate. Update and extend Excel VBA macros for annual programs, quarterly campaigns, and ad hoc incentives, ensuring data quality and on-time delivery. Partner with internal programming teams to implement and test enhancements that automate Recognition program reporting. Build scripts and repeatable routines that make data evaluation more flexible and scalable across datasets.
• Investigate discrepancies in production, points, and qualifier counts. Reconcile differences across Jumbo files, dashboards, and official reports. Advise when data limitations make certain analyses unreliable. Ensure business and technical requirements are documented, maintained, and reflected in reporting specifications. Support data warehousing and reporting partners in identifying, clarifying, and revising reporting requirements. Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual program status reporting and post-program performance analysis. Participate in regular Recognition team meetings and provide data and insights to support decisions and planning.

Benefits

• Wellness programs that support the three pillars of your health – mental, physical, and financial
• The opportunity to move along a variety of career paths with amazing networking potential.

What This Job Offers

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