Manager, Data Governance Operations
The Canada Life Assurance Company•Toronto, ON
•CA$95,000 - CA$130,000•Hybrid
About The Position
We are looking for a Manager, Data Governance Operations to lead the execution, scaling, and continuous improvement of enterprise data governance practices across Canada Life. This role is accountable for operationalizing governance frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving adoption of trusted data practices across the data lifecycle. As a key leader within the Enterprise Data Governance function, you will manage a team of governance professionals and act as a critical bridge between business, technology, and oversight functions. You will ensure that governance controls are practical, scalable, and embedded into day‑to‑day operations, enabling the organization to treat data as a strategic asset while managing risk effectively.
Requirements
- 5–10 years of experience in data governance, data management, or related disciplines.
- 3+ years of leadership experience, including team management and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong experience in financial services or insurance environments.
- Deep knowledge of data governance domains, including data access and usage, data retention & disposition, data privacy, anonymization, and de-identification.
- Proven experience developing and implementing data governance policies, standards, guidelines and procedures.
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (PIPEDA, Law 25, OSFI B‑13, OSFI E‑21).
- Experience working within the Three Lines of Defense model.
- Hands‑on experience with data governance tools (e.g., Informatica, Collibra, Microsoft Purview,).
- Experience delivering data governance training and stakeholder enablement programs.
- Strong project management experience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives.
- Experience scaling enterprise-wide data governance programs
- Strong ability to balance control and enablement (governance without slowing the business)
- Experience integrating governance into modern data platforms
- Proven track record of driving adoption and cultural change in data governance
Nice To Haves
- Professional certification such as DAMA CDMP (or equivalent) preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead the execution and continuous improvement of Data Governance policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines.
- Operationalize governance across key domains: data access, data usage, retention & disposition, metadata, data quality and data anonymization.
- Ensure alignment with enterprise frameworks, including Three Lines of Defense (3LoD).
- Establish and monitor governance KPIs, controls, and reporting mechanisms to track program effectiveness and maturity.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards, including: PIPEDA, Quebec Law 25, OSFI B‑13, OSFI E‑21.
- Partner with Legal, Risk & Compliance, Privacy, and Security teams to interpret regulatory requirements and embed them into governance processes.
- Oversee and manage data risks, issues, and exceptions, including remediation planning and reporting.
- Ensure effective data de-identification, anonymization, and privacy controls are implemented and adhered to.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Data Governance professionals, driving accountability and delivery excellence.
- Partner with Data Owners, Data Stewards, and business stakeholders to drive adoption of governance practices.
- Deliver and oversee data governance training and enablement programs to improve data literacy and compliance.
- Translate complex governance concepts into clear, actionable guidance for business and technical audiences.
- Lead or support data governance initiatives and projects, ensuring timely and effective delivery.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, scalability, and automation in governance processes.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability within the data governance function.
Benefits
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Access to industry-leading learning programs
- Up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement
- Flexible health and dental benefits
- $5,000 mental health benefit
- In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
- Company-matching pension plan
- Share ownership program
- Additional investment options
- Employee recognition programs
- Service milestone celebrations
- Employee discounts
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Mentorship programs
- Social clubs and events
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
