Director, Strategic Initiatives

Director, Strategic Initiatives page is loaded Director, Strategic Initiatives Apply locations Toronto, Ontario Waterford, Waterford, Ireland time type Full time posted on Posted Yesterday job requisition id JR

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you'll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Strategic Delivery AVP , this position leads the business efforts for execution of technology and business initiatives with a focus on product development, operations and client focused projects. This position will lead Product Owners that are responsible for building the foundational platforms and implementing key initiatives such as products or client service capabilities .

Preferred skills

• 8+ years working in a functional business unit for a life insurance organization ( ie . customer service, new business, operations, underwriting, etc).

• Minimum of 5 years working in an Insurance market - strong understanding of policy administration systems that support non U.S. clients.

• Minimum of 5 years in a business analysis or project management role working on large IT projects.

• Strong writing skills with the ability to translate business needs to written requirements.

• Strong leadership, influencing, mediation skills

• Proven collaborative approach to problem solving

• Organized and goal oriented while being a team player

• Attention to details yet having a holistic view of the situation with having in mind the different stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Coach Product owners in their responsibilities.

• Be forward thinking on designing roadmaps

• Exhibit leadership with stakeholders working within and outside the squad team

• Manage expectations and deadlines with sponsors, teams and senior management

• Be an expert in appl icable business operations and products

• Design efficient and client centric solutions taking all stakeholders needs into consideration

• Provide leadership and business analysis to develop and enhance technology solutions, boosting efficiency, quality, and customer focus for the international organization.

• Lead on complex technology and operational initiatives from planning to implementation, ensuring they align with business strategy and stakeholder needs.

• Support Product Owners with business needs analysis, documentation, and IT or procedural changes.

• Assist the Strategic Delivery team in selecting and maintaining cost-effective technology solutions that support core business functions.

• Develop expertise in technology applications, liaise with IT on business requirements, participate in user acceptance testing, and manage releases.

• Coach direct reports to bridge business and technical requirements.

• Ensure leadership is engaged in initiatives to align project outcomes with strategic goals. Collaborate with IT to meet targets on time and within budget and scope, and handle escalations effectively.

• Work with Enterprise Services and IT to deliver solutions that meet business needs and align with strategic plans.

• Identify business areas impacted by new initiatives and manage change through training and documentation.

• Research business issues and provide recommendations.

• Aid in refining and testing products to ensure clear specifications, compliance, and functionality.

• Support product owners and squads by defining business needs and preparing supportive documentation.

• Serve as a product and illustration s expert, offering training and supporting product development.

• Gain technical and product knowledge to enhance product design, implementation, and documentation processes.

• Collaborate with teams to streamline the product development process and ensure stakeholder alignment.

• Create product roadmaps detailing key milestones from launch to post-launch.

• Conduct Operational Gap analyses with the Product Owner to identify and address inefficiencies in supporting new products.

• Document operational risks and production issues, propose solutions, and communicate with stakeholders.

• Regularly review and enhance client touchpoints in collaboration with the CX team, aiming to improve customer and broker experiences.

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, 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.

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process or those needing job postings in an alternative format may e-mail a request to .

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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At Sun Life, you can be your most brilliant self. Our supportive, flexible, and inclusive work environment is one where you - and your career - can thrive. Whatever your aspirations, collaborative leaders and colleagues are ready to help you learn, grow, and succeed.

We're a global company with a passion for people. Our purpose is to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. As a team of 30,000 across 26 countries, our impact is far-reaching, and locally relevant There's power in numbers. As part of Sun Life's growing team, you have an impact on people in your community and around the world.

Shape the future

With an optimistic eye on a brighter future, we drive to innovate. Be part of leading change, push boundaries and try new ways of working. Use data to drive bold actions. Be agile and pivot as we test and learn. At Sun Life, we're driving transformation, sustainability and innovation for our Clients, employees, partners, and communities. Join us. Together, we can make the future brighter.