Director Corporate Development

The Canada Life Assurance Company • Toronto, ON

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Corporate Development team plays a key role in helping Great-West Lifeco (“Lifeco” or “GWL”) grow and create meaningful value, helping to deliver on our long-term strategy through inorganic actions (e.g., mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other partnerships). By working across Lifeco and its businesses, the team helps senior leaders and executives address some of Lifeco’s most critical strategic questions and deliver on inorganic opportunities.

Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Development, the Director, Corporate Development is a fundamental role at GWL. The Director will work to evolve the company’s corporate development function and will play a key role in strategic capital allocation decisions. They will be a thought leader and innovator, contributing to the shape the future direction of GWL. The Director will support a greater focus on inorganic strategic capital allocation decisions at GWL, developing an inventory of potential actionable inorganic activities, and assessing and executing strategic transactions.

They will work closely with a cohort of senior stakeholders across GWL and business units.

Requirements

• Strong business acumen and judgement, with demonstrated aptitude for financial, strategic, analytical and critical thinking
• Demonstrated leadership, influencing, and relationship building skills
• Experience teaming with business unit / operational leads to articulate and execute complex initiatives
• Proven ability to ramp up quickly on new subjects
• Excellent analytical skills, including financial analysis and research
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Experience coaching and mentoring, especially in analytical, strategy and/or communications skills
• Technical mastery of PowerPoint and Excel
• 5+ years relevant industry experience

Nice To Haves

• MBA / CFA / CPA are positive, but not required
• Preference for prior investment banking and / or corporate development experience

Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation of potential mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. Assess opportunities through the lens of strategic fit, financial impact, and alignment with the company’s long-term growth objectives in the insurance, wealth and retirement sectors.
• Develop and oversee robust financial models incorporating industry-specific metrics
• Prepare high-quality presentations and investment materials for executive leadership, board members, and external stakeholders. Clearly communicate complex financial and strategic insights to support informed decision-making.
• Manage the end-to-end M&A process, including target identification, due diligence coordination, internal stakeholder alignment, and post-deal integration planning.
• Continuously monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and competitive activity across the insurance, wealth and retirement landscape. Identify and assess new market opportunities and emerging threats to inform strategic planning.
• Partner with business unit leaders, finance, legal, and external advisors to ensure alignment and execution of strategic initiatives. Act as a key liaison between corporate development and operational teams.
• Build and maintain relationships with investment banks, consultants, and potential partners. Represent the company in strategic discussions and industry forums to enhance visibility and deal flow.

Benefits

• Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
• Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.
• In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
• Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.
• Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
• 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: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees