AVP, HNW Business Optimization

AVP, HNW Business Optimization – Sun Life – Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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.

Role Overview

This AVP will work directly with the CEO, CFO and HNW Leadership Team to shape and drive the long‑term vision and strategic direction of the HNW business. The role demands a strategic mindset with an external focus who can anticipate market shifts, identify transformative opportunities and guide the company through complex strategic decisions.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership (25%)

• Lead the development and refinement of the organization's long‑term vision and strategic goals.
• Drive strategic initiatives that position the HNW business for sustainable growth and market leadership.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging trends and disruptive forces in the industry.

Executive Decision Support (20%)

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on critical strategic matters.
• Develop and present high‑impact recommendations that influence C‑suite decision‑making.
• Oversee the creation of sophisticated financial models and scenario analyses to support strategic choices.

Business Transformation (20%)

• Spearhead major transformation initiatives across the BU.
• Liaise with functional leaders to orchestrate cross‑functional collaboration to ensure seamless execution of strategic priorities.
• Work with the HNW Leadership team and HR to drive organizational change management to align the company culture with strategic objectives.

Strategic Partnerships and M&A (15%)

• Identify and evaluate potential strategic partnerships, joint ventures and M&A opportunities.
• Lead due diligence processes and participate in M&A deal negotiation.
• Develop integration strategies to maximize value from strategic transactions.

Innovation and Digital Strategy (10%)

• Champion a culture of business growth & innovation throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with the HNW Leadership team and CIO to drive the HNW digital transformation strategy.
• Identify and incubate new business models and revenue streams.

Stakeholder Management (10%)

• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders including brokers, partners and industry leaders.
• Provide executive updates on strategic initiatives via steering committee quarterly business reporting or similar mechanisms.

Education and Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategy consulting preferably from a top‑tier consulting firm (e.g., McKinsey, BCG, Bain) in addition to in‑company experience.
• Strong data‑driven decision‑making skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.
• Exceptional ability to influence stakeholders and present recommendations to senior leadership.

Communication Skills

• Strong presentation and communication skills with the ability to engage and update senior stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to communicate and influence senior leaders, peers and lead staff without direct reporting relationships as each initiative will require management buy‑in followed by support from various functions.

Salary Range

145,000 – 235,000 CAD per annum.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are 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.

Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process or those needing job postings in an alternative format may e‑mail a…