Manager, Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management

The Canada Life Assurance Company•Toronto, ON

1d•CA$90,400 - CA$140,400•Hybrid

About The Position

As Canada Life continues to modernize and transform Operations, the Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management Manager plays a critical role in ensuring strategic investments, transformation initiatives, and operational priorities are aligned to business objectives and deliver measurable value. This role leads the annual planning cycle for Canada Operations and Business Enablement (COBE), provides oversight of the Operations portfolio, and drives governance, financial transparency, and benefits realization across the Operations Modernization program. Working closely with Operations, Business Enablement, and Finance leaders, the Operations Performance Manager provides a holistic view of priorities, investments, and performance to support informed decision-making and effective execution. The role combines strategic planning, portfolio management, financial analysis, and business performance management to help Operations achieve its transformation and business goals.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in strategic planning, portfolio management, business performance, finance, operations, program management, or business transformation.
Post-secondary education in Business, Finance, Commerce, Economics, Operations Management, or a related discipline; MBA, CPA, PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma designations are assets.
Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, business case development, investment analysis, and benefits realization.
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and identify practical solutions.
Proven ability to connect disparate information and develop a holistic view of organizational performance, priorities, and opportunities.
Strategic mindset combined with strong execution skills and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to influence and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups and leadership levels.
Excellent relationship-building skills and a track record of establishing trusted partnerships.
Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience preparing executive-ready materials and recommendations.
Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Experience supporting complex transformation, modernization, or operational improvement initiatives.
Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 applications.
A collaborative leadership style with the confidence to challenge constructively and drive positive outcomes.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CPA, PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma designations

Responsibilities

Lead the annual planning cycle for Canada Operations and Business Enablement, ensuring investments and initiatives are aligned to strategic priorities.
Manage the Operations Modernization program, ensuring initiatives remain focused on delivering measurable business value and benefits realization.
Maintain an integrated view of the Operations portfolio, providing leaders with visibility into priorities, dependencies, risks, resource requirements, and outcomes.
Partner with Finance and business leaders to manage initiative budgets, forecasts, expenses, and cost allocations, ensuring transparency and effective financial stewardship.
Lead the development of program-level business cases and ensure initiatives have clearly defined objectives, benefits, costs, assumptions, and success measures.
Support financial analysis and business case development for strategic investments, including ROI assessments, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
Develop executive-level reporting, dashboards, and presentations that provide clear insight into portfolio performance, financial results, and strategic progress.
Support monthly, quarterly, and annual business reviews by consolidating operational, financial, and portfolio performance information.
Monitor portfolio performance and benefits realization, identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities to improve outcomes.
Facilitate collaboration across Operations, Business Enablement, Finance, Technology, and business teams to drive alignment and informed decision-making.
Translate complex information from multiple sources into meaningful insights and actionable recommendations for leaders.
Ensure program and portfolio activities remain aligned to business strategies, operational priorities, and organizational goals.
Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, governance practices, reporting capabilities, and portfolio management effectiveness.
Build strong relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on planning, performance, and strategic initiatives.
Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, continuous improvement, and results-driven execution.