Director, Data Strategy and Analytics Academy

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:

Role Summary

The Director, Data & Analytics Strategy & Analytics Academy reports to the Chief Data & Analytics Officer.  This is a pivotal role designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Data and Analytics team. The position demands a dynamic individual capable of strategic planning, operational excellence, and adept in communication and coordination. This role will be instrumental in supporting the CDAO in executing the department’s vision and goals, while also managing critical projects and providing executive support.

What will you do?

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate closely with the CDAO to develop and execute strategic plans that are in line with the company’s overarching vision and objectives.

• Monitor industry trends and the competitive landscape to identify both opportunities for growth and potential risks.

Operational Excellence:

• Streamline and optimize internal processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness across the department.

• Work in conjunction with Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) to ensure there is a clear alignment of goals and priorities.

• Implement and manage Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and enhance operational performance.

Communication and Coordination:

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the CDAO and various departments, ensuring clear, consistent communication.

• Support the preparation for Canadian Data Council and Canadian Data Evolution Council – setting the agenda, engaging the presenters, and preparing materials as needed.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to foster organizational cohesion.

• Prepare and disseminate internal communications, updates, and reports as necessary.

Analytics Academy

• Lead knowledge management and training for analytics functions across Canadian business units

•  Develop training solutions and drive data literacy to increase analytics skills

• Collaborate to establish an employer brand strategy positioning Sun Life as a preferred analytics employer

• Benchmark analytics capabilities against industry and develop a strategy to increase retention of analytics talent

Project Management:

• Oversee and manage key strategic projects from inception to completion, ensuring objectives are met on time and within scope.

• Coordinate project teams, establish deadlines, and ensure all deliverables are achieved.

• Provide regular updates to the CDAO and the leadership team regarding project status and progress.

Executive Support:

• Assist the CDAO in managing their priorities and time effectively, ensuring a focus on high-impact activities.

• Aid in the creation and maintenance of OKRs, along with managing a dashboard to track progress.

• Prepare data-driven insights and materials for executive meetings and reports, ensuring confidentiality and discretion.

Crisis Management:

• Collaborate with the leadership team in developing and implementing crisis management strategies.

• Act as a key liaison during critical situations to ensure a swift and coordinated response.

What do you need to succeed?

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Data Science, Analytics, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

• Extensive experience in a similar role, preferably in a data and analytics environment.

• Proven track record of successful project management and strategic planning.

• Familiarity with data analysis tools and methodologies is a plus.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on collaboration and relationship building.

• Ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.

• Proactive and self-motivated with a results-driven approach.

• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

• Exhibit a strong network within the industry and a proven ability to influence outcomes at all levels of the organization.

• Adept in agile methodologies with a demonstrated agile way of working to quickly adapt to changing priorities.

• Pragmatism: Focused on getting things done effectively and efficiently, with a capacity to clear obstacles and drive progress.

• Detail-Oriented: Exhibits rigorous attention to detail and the ability to communicate complex messages in a clear and concise manner.

• Leadership: Ability to lead and influence a diverse group of stakeholders, driving the team forward to deliver solutions.

Mindset & Behaviors:

• Ownership Mindset: Takes full responsibility for tasks and outcomes, actively seeks to connect disparate ideas and formulate a proactive path forward.

• Critical Thinker: Challenges assumptions and status quo, approaches problems with a critical mind.

• Embrace Change: Enthusiastic about change and able to work in a non-hierarchical setting, willing to “roll up the sleeves” and engage in hands-on work.

• Trust & Transparency: Fosters a culture of transparency and trust within the team and organization.

• Comfort Zone: Regularly seeks to go outside the comfort zone to innovate and improve.

• Experimental Mindset: Willing to try new approaches and learn from both successes and failures.

Additional Attributes:

• Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable strategies.

• Forward-thinking with an experimental mindset to pilot new initiatives and measure their impact.

• Demonstrates drive and initiative, constantly seeking to improve processes and deliver beyond expectations.

• Ability to manage high-stress situations calmly and lead the team through periods of crisis or uncertainty.

Reasons why should you join us under the sun?

• We’re honoured to be recognized as a 2023 Best Workplaces in Ontario by Great Place to Work® Canada

• We’re proud to be recognized as a company with a 2023 Most Trusted Executive team by Great Place to Work® Canada

• Sun Life ranked one of the 2023 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World on the Corporate Knights’ 2023

• A caring, supportive, and inclusive culture

• Time off giving you the flexibility to focus on the moments that matter. 20 days vacation per year

• Unique sabbatical program and care Days available for self care and care of others

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

• Wellness programs that support the three pillars of your health – mental, physical, and financial

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 [email protected].

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.

Salary Range:

105,000/105 000 – 175,000/175 000

Job Category:

Advanced Analytics

Posting End Date:

30/04/2024