Director, Archer Product Owner

Sun Life•Waterloo, ON

1d•$110,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the AVP Corporate Risk Operations and matrix reporting to Compliance, and Internal Audit AVPs, the role will actively lead the Corporate Risk management, Enterprise Compliance, and Internal Audit (RCIA) Archer programs to achieve Governance, Risk and Controls (GRC) integration between the functions in four aspects: vision execution, operational alignment, technology implementation oversight, and deployment management. The RCIA functions have adopted Archer as our GRC tool. While Archer is employed by each function to achieve their own mandate, a unique opportunity exists to use Archer for further alignment or integration of various Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit on common elements for greater consistency and ease of use by the functions and the businesses. As the Archer Platform Chair and Product Owner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategy based on a comprehensive understanding of market trends, technical breakthroughs, and client behaviour within and outside the industry. Working with RCIA and IT partners, you will set the overall vision and provide guidance and coaching to enable the team to bring that vision to life. Embracing Agile values, you will drive the teams to do the same, ensuring that each team within the operating model is aligned and moving in the right direction. Additionally, you will advocate for and collaborate with stakeholders across the enterprise to ensure that the Archer Platform receives the necessary inputs and support. The role provides a unique opportunity to interact with senior level RCIA management and further enhance essential capabilities in RCIA.

Requirements

Strong working knowledge of key GRC or IRM systems is a must, e.g., Archer, MetricStream, Refinitiv
RCIA - Good understanding of Risk, Compliance or Internal Audit practices and standards, process design and regulatory requirements
Extensive experience in digital and large-scale company transformations, with the managerial ability to lead and see initiatives through to fruition
In-depth understanding of best-in-class digital experiences and knowledge, coupled with expertise in Agile methodologies and Design
Assertive approach, capable of making decisions and driving outcomes along with the ability to build trust and rapport with stakeholders and team members
Proven track record of setting business vision and strategy, and successfully bringing them to life
Exceptional strategic and tactical thinking ability, combined with a strong business sense to challenge the status quo
Capability to develop and articulate reliable plans, linking them to functional and business financial plans
Strong communication, both verbally and in writing, skills
Ability to influence and negotiate across the organization at all levels
Excellent organizational skills, with a keen eye for planning and time management

Nice To Haves

Education, professional certification or designation in Risk, Compliance, or Audit with at least 8 years’ experience in the financial services industry
Knowledge of data visualization principles and software (e.g., Tableau)
Understanding of accessibility standards and guidelines, ensuring products and experiences are accessible to all users
Energy, enthusiasm, commitment, courage and entrepreneurial excitement, coupled with a strong desire for ownership
Ability to inspire individuals and teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
Ability to set a clear and compelling vision (“the what”) for the Platform and support teams in figuring out the “how”
Strong leadership skills to guide teams, negotiate and influence stakeholders and at the executive level
Solid understanding of business principles and the ability to align strategies with desired outcomes

Responsibilities

Scope out and establish the overall vision for the Journey or Archer Platform (“Platform”), creating and maintaining a robust roadmap to deliver on that vision
Coordinate and run the governance of the RCIA Program and oversee the financial management of the Journey or Platform
Build a clear centralized strategy for the Platform and pipeline of value-creating capabilities to drive continuous improvement for all three RCIA functions
Define and measure key metrics to evaluate the success of Journeys and the Platform facilitating continuous measurable improvement
Manage multiple, simultaneous priorities through developing project plans and monitoring/ reporting/ influencing traction to ensure implementation is completed on time and within budget
Give Platform teams clear direction and guidance so they know what to do but allow them to decide how to do it to accomplish their mission
Enable Platform teams to develop strategies and solutions that align with business outcomes, offering guidance along the way
Coordinate and review business requirements, solicit feedback, and ensure the project meets the RCIA stakeholders’ needs
Liaise with multiple teams and lead communications and relationships to facilitate smooth delivery
Ensure consistency and quality in the customer experience (RCIA teams, IT teams, business users) across the Journey or Platform.
Be accountable for prioritizing based on the needs of all teams in the Platform by understanding dependencies
Make significant contributions to change management to help implement innovative solutions and drive toward achievement of common goals
Serve as a thought leader and trusted business advisor to senior management and various stakeholders Leading practices
Support RCIA leaders on enhancing process efficiency, education and training, communication, and annual planning of Archer programs
Oversee Platform system maintenance including upgrades, outages, and monitoring
Work with the RCIA technical leads, Sun Life Technology teams and third parties to strengthen and implement change management protocols and practices
Review Platform performance monitoring results periodically to recommend changes to tools, data and processes and assist with implementing the changes
Own the role of point person to assist RCIA with cross-function day-to-day challenges in using the Platform
Identify integration points and establish connections between Journeys, IT, or Business Platforms and the broader business

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus structure influenced by market range data
20 days vacation per year and an innovative sabbatical program
Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the US
Great Place to Work® award for Best Workplaces for #HybridWork
Flex hours and Flexible hybrid work model including in-country work-from-home if you prefer.
A friendly, collaborative and inclusive culture
Being part of our Product Owner community, where we share best practices and broaden skill-sets
Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family
Pension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial security
Fitness and wellness programs that help you balance work and life and enjoy a healthier lifestyle