Director, Data & Intelligence

GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions•Surrey, BC

16h•CA$185,000 - CA$195,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Data & Intelligence will serve as GHFOC's intelligence architect, building and leading the data, analytics, BI, and AI capabilities needed to help GHFOC grow faster than the market. This role owns the full data value chain, from consolidating and governing GHFOC's data estate to advancing the AI and machine learning program that will improve pricing, retention, and service for employer groups and plan members. This is a hybrid role based out of our Surrey, BC office, working 3 days in office and 2 days from home.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, or a related quantitative field; a master's degree or equivalent experience is preferred
10+ years of progressive experience in data, analytics, and data leadership, including at least three years at the Director, Head of Data, or equivalent level leading multidisciplinary data teams
Must have built or significantly scaled a data and analytics function, not only managed an established team
Experience in group benefits, insurance, health insurance, or Canadian financial services is strongly preferred; experience partnering with actuarial teams and working with MLR, IBNR, experience studies, and pricing analytics is a significant advantage
Familiarity with group benefits source systems, such as WEBS, MPACS, or equivalent platforms, is an asset
Practical experience leading AI or machine learning programs, with the ability to evaluate AI talent, explain use case trade-offs, and apply responsible AI governance
Strong fluency with Azure data platforms, including Microsoft Fabric, Data Factory, and Azure ML; Power BI and Power BI Embedded; dbt; SQL; and working-level Python
Preferred certifications include Microsoft Azure Data Engineer (DP-203), Azure AI Engineer (AI-102), or equivalent credentials; actuarial qualifications or partial designation are an asset but not required
A People Leader – You coach through conflict, hold teams accountable, influence without authority, and build a culture of ownership and resilience
A Strategic Planner – You develop strategic plans, own budget decisions, and lead executive-level financial conversations
A Strong Communicator – You simplify complex topics, present with authority to internal and external audiences, and build strong senior relationships
A Human-Centric Thinker – You lead with empathy and emotional intelligence, solve root-cause problems, and build an inclusive team culture
An Innovator – You drive structured learning plans, represent GHFOC externally as a thought leader, and create measurable organizational improvement
A Financial Owner – You own comprehensive budgets, identify cost-reduction opportunities, and clearly articulate financial impact at the steering committee level

Nice To Haves

a master's degree or equivalent experience is preferred
Experience in group benefits, insurance, health insurance, or Canadian financial services is strongly preferred
experience partnering with actuarial teams and working with MLR, IBNR, experience studies, and pricing analytics is a significant advantage
Familiarity with group benefits source systems, such as WEBS, MPACS, or equivalent platforms, is an asset
Preferred certifications include Microsoft Azure Data Engineer (DP-203), Azure AI Engineer (AI-102), or equivalent credentials
actuarial qualifications or partial designation are an asset but not required

Responsibilities

Own the 12-month Data & Intelligence strategy and rolling roadmap, aligned to GHFOC's five strategic pillars and the CIO's IT agenda
Set quarterly priorities across the four pillars, including what to build, buy, retire, and sequence
Monitor the Canadian group benefits data and intelligence landscape to identify competitive threats and opportunities
Own the strategy to consolidate, integrate, validate, and govern data from GHFOC source systems and remaining Excel-based workflows
Ensure the data platform becomes the organization's trusted source for analysis and reporting
Partner with source system owners to resolve data quality issues and reduce correction work at the platform layer
Set the Azure data platform direction, including Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, dbt, and the migration path from legacy infrastructure
Oversee the experience analysis program with the Chief Actuary, including MLR, PMPM trends, stop-loss, IBNR, and employer group plan cost performance
Ensure insurer partner reporting is accurate, timely, and properly governed, including VC profit, Life 1, and carrier experience reports
Partner with management to identify pricing actions and approach changes that maintain appropriate results for risk-taking partners
Develop scorecards that help management and insurer partners understand business health and respond to emerging trends
Own the AI and machine learning program from strategy through production, including use case selection, build prioritization, and value measurement
Partner with the Chief Actuary and Underwriting on AI applications for pricing, reserving, and risk stratification
Ensure AI models are explainable, auditable, and aligned with emerging Bill C-27/AIDA requirements
Build and manage the Microsoft relationship for Azure AI and OpenAI capabilities relevant to GHFOC use cases
Partner with the Director, Digital Products & Experience to co-own the employer analytics portal as a strategic product
Define the portal's data and analytics requirements, including what plan sponsors see, understand, and do after logging in
Monitor adoption across 7,000+ employer group clients and use usage data to shape the improvement roadmap
Use GHFOC's data estate to identify new ways to price, renew, and quote business while balancing returns and competitiveness
Identify market gaps and opportunities where GHFOC can create profitable new products or services
Translate analysis into clear decisions so insights are actionable and accepted by leadership
Lead, develop, and manage the Data & Intelligence team across the four pillars
Set clear quarterly and annual objectives for each pillar, aligned to the Data & Intelligence strategy
Manage the Data & Intelligence hiring program, including eight Phase 1 hires sequenced by priority
Develop each pillar lead toward their next level of leadership and capability