Vice-President Operational Risk and Resilience

Permanent Full Time

Great West Lifeco is looking for a Vice President of Operational Risk and Resilience, Lifeco and Canada, who will provide strategic oversight, leadership, and direction in the areas of operational risk and resilience, covering all non-technology operational risk types. This role will be critical in establishing and maintaining risk and resilience frameworks that identify, assess, and manage operational risks globally, ensuring that the businesses can respond and recover appropriately from any disruptions or challenges. The successful incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that operational risk and resilience frameworks and tools are effectively applied and embedded across the Lifeco group of companies. This role will provide a unified approach to managing and mitigating risks across the organization, ensuring consistency and efficiency. The role also includes acting as second line of defence for operational risks in our Canadian business.

As a senior second line of defence position, this role interacts and collaborates with senior leadership, for example including but not limited to function and business heads and Chief Operating Officers.


What you will do

Establish and lead the global operational resilience strategy and strategy-implementation to ensure the organization's essential services can withstand disruptions and drive initiatives that enhance the organization’s risk and resilience posture
Ensure teams in first and second lines of defence coordinate on a unified approach to resilience, driving the effective implementation of the frameworks globally
Develop, maintain, and enhance the operational risk management framework, methodologies, and policies for all non-technology operational risk categories including but not limited to BCM/DR and third-party, people and business process risks
Ensure the effective operation of operational risk tools and methodologies across the organization.
Lead an effective second line oversight of non-technology operational risk and resilience strategy and initiatives across Canada
Monitor, assess, and report on operational risks in the Canada business to the Canada Executive Risk Management Committee and Lifeco Risk team
Act as an advocate of operational risk and resilience across the Canada business and globally. Engage with internal stakeholders globally to create a risk-aware culture and appropriate and effective three lines of defence model across operational risks and resilience
Responsible for analysis and reporting on the consolidated Global Risk operational risk profile against the risk appetite for the Enterprise. This includes analysis, insights and impacts gathered through collaborating with the Chief Risk Officers across our group of companies
Lead and mentor a high performing team of risk and resilience professionals and experts; foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the team
Collaborate with business heads, global peers, external partners, and regulatory bodies
Represent the organization in industry forums and regulatory discussions related to operational risk and resilience bringing your perspective on industry best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging threats

What you will bring

Exceptional leadership including a track record of building and refreshing high performance teams who demonstrate a drive to continuously improve processes and ways of working; ability to build delivery-focused teams
Proven track record in operational risk management or business operations with exposure to operational risk management, with exposure to multiple business units or industries. Financial services experience is desired but not necessary for the right candidate.
Strong capabilities in designing and implementing enterprise-scale transformational and change initiatives within a global, matrix environment
Deep understanding of operational risk and resilience frameworks, industry regulations, and best practices in risk management
Strong analytical skills, and ability to work with large amounts of data and risk models; sound judgement
Strategic thinker, with ability to synthesize information into a strategic direction, and approach in a way that leads to effective delivery of the strategy
Excellent stakeholder management at all levels of an organization; ability to break down and effectively communicate complex technical concepts to a range of audiences across the organization
Thrives in an environment that is complex and constantly evolving
International work experience would be a strong asset
Relevant current risk or operations qualifications

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.


Be your best at Great-West Lifeco and Canada Life - Apply today!


Great-West Lifeco Inc is a Canadian headquarter, international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses. We operate in Canada, the United States, and Europe under the brands: Canada Life, Empower and Irish Life.


At the end of 2023, our companies had over 33,500 employees, 232,000 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners – serving approximately 42 million customer relationships.


Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies.


Being a part of our organization means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.


You can be your best here. You are part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You’ll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.


We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential.


It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com.


We would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.


#LI-Hybrid

&