Vice-President, Insurance Distribution

Sun Life • Toronto, ON

2d • CA$195,000 - CA$270,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice-President, Insurance Distribution plays a critical role in leading Retail Advice and Solution’s wholesale/independent insurance distribution ecosystem across Canada. This leader is accountable for defining the distribution operating model, partner value proposition(s), and field enablement standards to drive profitable growth, consistent advisor experience, and strong risk and regulatory outcomes. The VP, Insurance Distribution will partner closely with other leaders in Retail Advice and Solutions, Operations, and Sun Life Global Investments. In addition, the leader in this role serves as an executive representative with distribution partners, regulators and industry bodies and ensures governance for partner programs (e.g., marketing allowances, compensation/incentives, and strategic initiatives) supported by clear performance management, financial discipline, and controls.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required; advanced degree in management or related field is an asset.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within financial services distribution, including 5+ years leading senior leaders in a large/complex organization.
• Deep expertise in individual insurance distribution; strong understanding of advisor practices, channel economics, and market segmentation/trends (including HNW).
• Proven track record in sales management and delivering growth/productivity targets through teams and partner ecosystems.
• Demonstrated experience designing and governing partner programs (e.g., marketing allowances, incentives/compensation, strategic initiatives) with strong financial discipline.
• Experience engaging regulators and industry associations/committees; strong risk mindset and ability to execute governance and controls.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in management or related field is an asset.
• Professional designations (e.g., CFP, CLU) are preferred.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Setting the distribution strategy and growth agenda across partner segments, regions, and product mix; translate business goals into priorities, targets, and executable plans.
• Leading third-party partnerships and external representation (MGAs, national accounts, alliances), including evaluation of potential new relationship opportunities, governance, and engagement with regulators / industry bodies.
• Driving regional field performance and advisor growth by leading regional sales, setting productivity expectations, ensuring effective coverage/cadence, and advancing HNW and priority segment strategies.
• Building sales effectiveness and practice capability through onboarding, training, coaching models, and advisor practice management/market development programs (education, events, business planning).
• Enable end-to-end execution, governance, and talent by aligning cross-functional partners, designing sustainable partner programs (marketing allowances, incentives), championing product/proposition evolution, and ensuring operational excellence, risk management, and leader development.
• Drive and develop a high performing, diverse team with a strong focus on organizational effectiveness and talent development.
• Owns senior executive relationships with key distribution firms; frequent travel required to support partner engagement and regional execution.

Benefits

• Eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance.
• Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive