Initiative Lead

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.  

At Aviva Canada, we put people first, our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most. 

The Initiatives Lead plays a pivotal role in advancing strategic priorities across Commercial Insurance. In this high-impact position, you will lead enterprise and business-critical initiatives from concept through execution, partnering with stakeholders across the organization to deliver meaningful results.

You will be responsible for managing multiple initiatives simultaneously, driving alignment, overcoming challenges, and ensuring successful implementation of solutions that support business growth, operational excellence, and customer outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to influence key decisions, collaborate with senior leaders, and make a tangible impact on the future direction of the business.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, results-oriented professional who excels in a fast-paced environment, navigates complexity with confidence, and has a passion for turning strategy into action. If you thrive on driving change, leading cross-functional collaboration, and delivering measurable business value, this is an exciting opportunity to make your mark.

•  Accountable for managing the successful delivery of multiple initiatives including scope definition, recommended solution, and management of the implementation.

• Will simultaneously manage several initiatives varying in complexity and duration.

• Will manage/oversee ongoing projects, providing the team with the support they need to make decisions, remove obstacles, meet deadlines, and deliver a successful end result.

• Evaluate the benefits of each change, associated costs, it’s alignment with the overall strategic roadmap and ultimately prepare and present the business case for the change.

•  Lead a cross functional team of stakeholders (Underwriting, Pricing, Broker Distribution, Systems etc.) throughout the lifecycle of the initiative.

•  Manage each initiative ensuring plans are tracked, financials are in line with forecasted expenditures and projects are resourced adequately to achieve success.

•  Engage appropriate teams (Learning & Development, Communications, Change Management) to ensure the successful adoption of the initiative.

•  Conduct post implementation reviews to assess whether benefits have been achieved. Recommend and implement remediation plans where required.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field required; graduate degree considered an asset. Equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Demonstrated leadership and people management capabilities, with experience influencing, coaching, negotiating, prioritizing, and driving results across both direct teams and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to develop and execute solutions that align with organizational strategy and Commercial Insurance objectives.

• Strategic thinker with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of translating complex business challenges into practical, value-driven solutions.

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and make sound decisions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of building credibility, influencing outcomes, and fostering strong relationships at all levels of the organization.

• Highly motivated self-starter who takes ownership, demonstrates initiative, and consistently delivers results with minimal direction.

• Strong business insight combined with excellent project management, facilitation, and organizational skills.

• Experience supporting and delivering strategic initiatives that transform business objectives into measurable outcomes and sustainable results.

• Project Management (PMP), Agile, Scrum, or related certification is considered an asset.

• Working knowledge of change management principles and best practices, with experience supporting organizational transformation initiatives.

• Understanding of market and competitive analysis, product gap assessment, product positioning, and product development methodologies is considered a strong asset.

• Experience within Commercial Insurance or the broader financial services industry is an asset.

• The salary band for this position ranges from $90,000 to $110,000. Please note that individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experience, as well as internal equity.

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities. 

• Hybrid flexible work model .

• Outstanding career development opportunities.

• We’ll support your professional development education.

• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year. 

• Employee-driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion. 

• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health. 

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is a new position which has been posted internally & externally. 
 
Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.