AVP, Data Analytics & Insights – Canadian Operations

Job Description

Role Summary

The AVP, Data Analytics for Canadian Operations represents a strategic opportunity to lead and transform the data analytics function for Canadian Operations. This role will develop and execute a comprehensive data analytics strategy that drives operational excellence, efficiency, and competitive advantage across all Canadian operational areas.

Reporting to the VP, Transformation & Enablement, the successful candidate will lead a team of ~50 data professionals to deliver world-class business intelligence, advanced analytics, and data-driven insights that optimize operational performance, improve client experience, and enable data-informed decision-making across the enterprise.

This position balances strategic vision with operational execution - building new capabilities while transforming existing data foundations and analytics practices to meet the evolving needs of a modern, digitally-enabled Operations organization.

What will you do?

Data Analytics Strategy Development and Execution

• Develop and maintain comprehensive data analytics strategy aligned with Canadian Operations objectives, balancing quick wins with long-term capability building

• Evaluate and prioritize analytics opportunities to maximize business value and drive thought leadership in data-driven problem solving

• Partner with Sun Life Canada’s Client Experience Office to align with overall Canada data and analytics strategy

• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure analytics function performance and business impact

Data Foundation and Governance

• Maintain existing data infrastructure while leading transformation initiatives to modernize architecture and adopt cloud-based solutions

• Implement robust data governance framework ensuring quality, accuracy, compliance, and audit-proof processes for internal and external stakeholders

• Develop and enforce standards for data management, documentation, and controls

Business Intelligence and Reporting

• Lead BI function delivering timely, actionable insights through operational dashboards, scorecards, and trending reports

• Manage reporting intake and prioritization from diverse stakeholders while creating self-serve analytics capabilities for power users

• Transform complex operational data into clear visualizations supporting executive reporting and strategic planning

Advanced Analytics

• Partner with Data Science team in CXO and other analytics partners to leverage common capabilities and drive innovation.

• Apply AI, machine learning, and predictive modeling to operational challenges, proactively identifying automation and optimization opportunities

• Develop and operationalize predictive models for capacity planning, volume forecasting, and demand management

Team Leadership and Capability Building

• Lead, coach, and develop diverse team, fostering high-performing culture focused on collaboration and innovation

• Provide proactive career development, attract top analytics talent, and build team capabilities to deliver on strategic objectives

What do you need to succeed?

Education & Experience Requirements

• Minimum 10 years relevant business, data, and analytics experience

• University degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related discipline and/or equivalent combination of education/experience

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in quantitative field an asset

• Professional certifications in data science, analytics, or business intelligence an asset

• Proven experience leading data analytics functions delivering measurable business value

• Experience in operations, business process management, or service delivery environments preferred

• Experience managing and transforming data infrastructure and analytics capabilities

• Track record of leading high-performing teams of professional knowledge workers

• Experience working in financial services, insurance, or regulated industries an asset

• As this position is posted in several locations, we specify that bilingualism (French, English, both oral and written) is required for Quebec only for the frequent interactions with English and French-speaking colleagues or internal partners across Canada or worldwide.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of data analytics concepts (predictive analytics, machine learning, AI)

• Deep knowledge of business intelligence tools, platforms, and best practices

• Experience with data governance frameworks and data quality management

• Familiarity with operational metrics, performance management, and process optimization

• Knowledge of statistical analysis, modeling techniques, and quantitative methods

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long-term vision while executing tactical priorities

• Stakeholder Management: Skilled at building relationships and influencing across all organizational levels

• Communication Excellence: Exceptional ability to translate complex data insights into clear, compelling narratives for executive audiences

• Change Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams through transformation with minimal disruption

• Problem Solving: Creative and critical thinking to address complex business challenges

• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business drivers, operational dynamics, and financial impact

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across multiple teams, functions, and geographies

• Results Orientation: Track record of delivering measurable business outcomes through analytics

What's in it for you?

• Being a member of the Sun Life family, a group of people united by our Purpose: to help Clients and Employees achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.

• Being part of our journey in developing the next greatest digital experience

• Agile behaviours, faster decisions and learning as we go

• Pension Plan participation starts immediately, and you are automatically enrolled. We help you save more with Sun Life automatic and matching contributions and by including both your salary and bonus when making contributions.

• Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family.