Data Governance Specialist

The Canada Life Assurance Company • Toronto, ON

4d • CA$80,400 - CA$130,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Data Governance Specialist to support and advance enterprise data governance practices at Canada Life. This role plays a key part in ensuring that data is governed, protected, and accessible, while enabling the business to confidently use data as a strategic asset. As part of the Enterprise Data Governance team, you will work closely with business and technology stakeholders to operationalize governance practices across data access, data usage, retention & disposition, privacy, and metadata management. This is a hands‑on role with growing ownership, where you will contribute to both execution and continuous improvement of governance capabilities.

Requirements

• 3-6 years of experience in data governance, data management, or a related discipline.
• Strong working knowledge of core data governance domains, including: Data access and data usage, Data retention and disposition, Data privacy and protection, Metadata management and data cataloging.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks, such as Quebec Law 25, PIPEDA, OSFI B-13 and OSFI E-21.
• Hands‑on experience with data catalog tools such as Informatica, Collibra, or Microsoft Purview.
• Experience supporting metadata management, including business glossary, lineage, and data classification.
• Familiarity with handling sensitive data (PII / Protected data) and related governance controls.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both business and technical stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Reliability Status Security Clearance – this can only be completed with candidates who receive an offer of employment. This is a personal security status that is required as a condition of employment before an employee can gain access to Protected B information, assets or work sites as outlined by the Government of Canada website. The cost of submitting these checks will be covered by Canada Life.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in financial services or insurance.
• Exposure to data lifecycle management frameworks (retention schedules, disposition controls).
• Experience supporting privacy, compliance, or risk programs.
• Data governance certification (e.g., CDMP, DGSP).

Responsibilities

• Support and contribute to the development, maintenance, and evolution of data governance policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures, particularly across data access, usage, retention, and privacy.
• Execute and promote data governance adoption across the enterprise, partnering with business units, data stewards, and technology teams.
• Support and enforce data retention and disposition practices, ensuring compliance with Quebec Law 25 and enterprise policies.
• Contribute to the design and monitoring of data access, data usage, data retention controls, ensuring appropriate handling of sensitive and regulated data.
• Support data cataloging and metadata management activities, ensuring data assets are properly documented, classified, and discoverable.
• Work with stakeholders to maintain and enhance data catalog tools (e.g., Informatica, Collibra, Microsoft Purview), including business glossary, lineage, and metadata enrichment.
• Support privacy and data protection practices, including data classification, handling standards, and de-identification where required.
• Participate in defining requirements and onboarding use cases for the Connected Data Platform, enabling access to trusted data.
• Identify, analyze, and support remediation of data governance risks, issues, and gaps, particularly related to access, usage, and lifecycle.
• Provide guidance and hands-on support to stakeholders, translating governance requirements into clear, actionable practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, data governance processes, and stakeholder adoption.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed