Director, Governance Programs & Initiatives

Sun Life

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Sun Life's Retail Advice & Solutions team as a Director, Governance Programs and Initiatives, where you'll lead transformative governance programs that directly enable our advisors to serve clients better while meeting regulatory expectations. Reporting to the VP, Business Governance & Controls, you'll drive strategic initiatives that balance regulatory compliance with practical, client-centric solutions. This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll shape the future of first-line governance while developing a talented team and partnering with senior executives across the organization. What Will you do? Lead First Line Programs & Initiatives (50%) Direct a team of Regulatory Programs Consultants to transform key oversight programs through: Strategic Problem-Solving: Facilitate workshops and sessions with subject matter experts to generate innovative, practical approaches to complex challenges Data-Driven Decision Making: Synthesize qualitative and quantitative insights to inform executive-level strategic decisions Executive Communication: Craft compelling narratives that drive productive discussions and decision-making at the senior leadership level Project Execution: Define and lead workstreams, managing priorities and adapting plans to deliver results on time and within scope Cross-Functional Partnership: Build alignment and buy-in on strategic vision and tactical plans across business and functional teams Drive Compliance Excellence (35%) Manage the Compliance Best Practices Consultants (CBPC) team to deliver: Field Support: Provide timely, pragmatic guidance and coaching to field leaders and advisors on compliance obligations Consistent Standards: Ensure the CBPC model delivers relevant and consistent support across the organization Proactive Engagement: Conduct regular meetings with Regional VPs, District Managers, and field management to identify training opportunities and elevate compliance awareness Support Strategic Planning (15%) Partner directly with the VP on BG&C strategy, including: Risk management activities for BG&C and RA&S Budget process and annual planning oversight Employee engagement initiatives and tactics What do you need to succeed? You'll be at the intersection of regulatory excellence and advisor empowerment, creating practical solutions that protect both clients and the business. Your work will directly impact thousands of advisors and the clients they serve, while positioning you as a strategic leader in governance and compliance transformation. Ready to make an impact? Apply today to join a team where your leadership will shape the future of governance at Sun Life.

Requirements

Leadership & Execution Proven track record building and leading high-performing, engaged teams in complex, matrix organizations
Exceptional project management skills with outcomes-oriented delivery and meticulous attention to detail
Talent development mindset with demonstrated success promoting team growth and mobility
Strategic & Analytical Capabilities Strong problem-solving skills combining creativity with analytical rigor
Data proficiency: Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, interpreting results, and presenting insights to executive audiences
Rapid learner who can quickly master new topics and work across diverse domains
Communication & Influence Executive presence with excellent written and oral communication skills
Stakeholder management expertise: Ability to collaborate with and influence leaders across multiple teams and seniority levels
Excellent judgment and adaptability in dynamic environments
Industry Expertise Solid knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements in insurance and wealth sectors
Minimum 10 years of relevant business experience, preferably in wealth management or financial services

Responsibilities

Lead First Line Programs & Initiatives (50%)
Direct a team of Regulatory Programs Consultants to transform key oversight programs through:
Strategic Problem-Solving: Facilitate workshops and sessions with subject matter experts to generate innovative, practical approaches to complex challenges
Data-Driven Decision Making: Synthesize qualitative and quantitative insights to inform executive-level strategic decisions
Executive Communication: Craft compelling narratives that drive productive discussions and decision-making at the senior leadership level
Project Execution: Define and lead workstreams, managing priorities and adapting plans to deliver results on time and within scope
Cross-Functional Partnership: Build alignment and buy-in on strategic vision and tactical plans across business and functional teams
Drive Compliance Excellence (35%)
Manage the Compliance Best Practices Consultants (CBPC) team to deliver:
Field Support: Provide timely, pragmatic guidance and coaching to field leaders and advisors on compliance obligations
Consistent Standards: Ensure the CBPC model delivers relevant and consistent support across the organization
Proactive Engagement: Conduct regular meetings with Regional VPs, District Managers, and field management to identify training opportunities and elevate compliance awareness
Support Strategic Planning (15%)
Partner directly with the VP on BG&C strategy, including:
Risk management activities for BG&C and RA&S
Budget process and annual planning oversight
Employee engagement initiatives and tactics