Director, Strategic Initiatives, Sales Power

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

Reporting to the AVP Sales Power, the Director, Strategic Initiatives will be accountable and play a critical role in leading the development, implementation and monitoring of new programs and strategic initiatives that support the overall growth and productivity of our advisory network. You will work directly with the AVP Sales Power as well as with key partners to plan and implement appropriate strategies to grow Sun Life's business in alignment with overall Retail Advice & Solutions objectives.

What will you do?

• Lead or participate in problem solving sessions, workshops and interviews with subject matter experts to bring in new perspectives, creative ideas, and practical approaches to ensure the on-going health of our advisory network to achieve business objectives.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative analytical results to guide recommendations and inform strategic decision making.

• Communicate findings and recommendations succinctly in a compelling storyline that facilitates productive discussion and decision making among senior executives.

• Execute project plan and help to lead key workstreams, adapting and reprioritizing as necessary to meet project objectives while ensuring timely delivery and achievable scope.

• Work closely with functional and business leaders to define and gain buy-in on the strategic vision, priorities, and tactical plans.

• Lead the implementation and monitoring of new programs and initiatives that support the growth in sales power

• Provide regular progress reporting on initiatives to AVP Sales Power and senior leadership.

• Work with the AVP Sales Power to establish annual sales power targets and monitor/report against targets.

• Manage content, coordinate meetings, and represent the Sales Power team at regular Salesforce Advisory Council meetings.

What you need to succeed?

• Ability to think strategically and execute operationally. 

• Strong creative and analytical problem solver, with a solid background working with data, conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, interpreting results, and creating presentations for executive audiences.

• Strong knowledge of strategies to attract sales professionals ideally within insurance or financial services

• Demonstrated leadership in coordinating the delivery of initiatives and high level of comfort with ambiguity and change.

• Understand ‘how’ to define and measure success using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Resourceful and rapid learner.

• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills; able to effectively collaborate with multiple stakeholders across multiple teams.

• Well organized, with a high attention to details.

• Minimum 8 years of relevant business experience; knowledge of Sun Life’s businesses would be an asset.

• University degree in business or related discipline; MBA or other relevant advance degree is 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.

• Occasional travel will be required (Toronto / Waterloo)

What's in it for you?

• ​We are proud to be on the 2024 Best Workplaces in Canada list by Great Place to Work.

• We’re also listed as one of the Best Workplaces for Women and Best Workplaces with Most Trusted Executive Teams.

• In 2024, Sun Life ranked among the top 100 most sustainable global corporations by Corporate Knights for the 15th consecutive year, leading Canadian insurers.

• A caring, supportive, and inclusive culture

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

• Care Days available for self-care or care of others (i.e., family or others you may support) and Sick Days to support your well-being

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 - 180,000/180 000

Job Category:

Sales - Distribution Support

Posting End Date:

09/02/2025