Job Description:
Reporting to the Vice President, Technology and Business Continuity, Risk Management, the Assistant Vice President (AVP), Technology Risk Management (TRM) is responsible for the implementation and adoption of the Technology Risk framework across Lifeco and its operating companies (OpCo’s).
The AVP will advocate for technology and cyber risk initiatives that accelerate and scale execution according to the organization’s investment appetite and risk tolerance. The AVP will facilitate a program that supports the execution of the maturity and risk control statement (RCS) targets for the organization. The AVP is responsible for developing and contributing to the aggregated view of the organization’s overall technology risk posture, and working with senior leadership to sponsor relevant policies, standards, and controls that best reflect the risk appetite of the organization.
As a second line of defense function, you will have responsibility to collaborate with senior leadership across Lifeco’s operating companies including but not limited to the regional Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Chief Risk Officers (CROs).
What you will do
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Implement Technology Risk Management practices and structure across the organization providing oversight and challenge that considers:
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Effective risk culture: A strong technology risk culture needs to permeate throughout the entire organization. This culture is instilled through a mindset of risk awareness as demonstrated in all aspects of technology management activities to assist decision makers in making informed choices, identifying priorities, and selecting the most appropriate action that is consistent with the Risk Appetite.
- Enhanced accountability: Technology Risks are explicitly owned, understood, and actively managed by business units and Technology Functions, individually and collectively.
- Transparent and effective communication: Matters relating to Technology Risks are communicated and escalated in a timely, accurate and forthright manner.
- Consistent practices: Technology Risk management practices are consistent and repeatable to ensure efficiency, and the reliability of results.
- Dynamic and responsive: Technology Risk management activities are dynamic with a focus on continual improvement and responsiveness to emerging and evolving risks.
- Technology resilience: The technology environment is designed and maintained in a manner that ensures resiliency, restorability, scalability, and delivers technology services at the required level and in the required time frame aligned with business needs.
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Encourage a high-performance and collaborative culture within the team, and across the technology risk professional community
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Proactively work with internal colleagues and external stakeholders to influence acceptance of new concepts, practices, or approaches
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Develop and implement sound roadmaps and tactical plans
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Foster an environment that encourages new approaches, challenges the status quo, and inspires creativity.
What you will bring
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5+ years’ experience as a technology leader managing an operating company’s risk profile
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5+ years’ experience leading multicultural teams in financial services organizations
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5+ years’ experience leading Information Technology (IT) governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) program
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Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Business Administration or related field(s) is preferred
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Degree in risk management or cybersecurity management is preferred
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Experience in financial services, and preferably in insurance working in a regulated environment
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Experience building and working in matrix and complex organizations with demonstrated ability to influence teams where resources do not all report directly into the function.
- Skilled leader with exceptional communication abilities, collaboration and relationship building skills establishing credibility and fostering cross-functional relationships.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills needed to effectively build relationships and communicate with Executives, internals stakeholders, and customers.
- Expert level of customer centric outward thinking skills, and continuous improvement mindset
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Leader with experience in driving significant change and modernization agenda
- Proven Strategic thinking skills, with a long-term outlook and the ability to drive results to improve business unit performance and create a culture of accountability
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Have a strong appreciation for the complex and ever-changing regulatory environment and the need to be ahead of regulations
- Ability to attract, motivate and develop talent to build the right team to meet strategic direction and tomorrow’s needs
- A high level of technology, systems expertise, and project management experience
- Ability to use knowledge of industry, business, and systems to solve business problems and maximize business performance
- Operational risk expertise related to working in complex shared environments
- Knowledge of Cyber and Technology Risk Governance and Control standards (i.e., Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Control Objectives for Information Technologies (COBIT), International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 31000, and/or National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Management of Risk (MoR), etc.)
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Certifications in ITIL, COBIT, CRISC, CISSP, CISA, CISM, SANS SIAC (preferred)
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Proven track record and knowledge of technology and cyber risk frameworks as they apply to technology in large corporations
Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in the following head office locations: Toronto, London, Winnipeg, Montreal.
Be your best at Great-West Lifeco and Canada Life - Apply today!
Great-West Lifeco Inc. is a leading international financial services holding company headquartered in Canada with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses. It operates in Canada, the United States, and Europe under the brands: Canada Life, Canada Life Germany, Canada Life UK, Canada Life Reinsurance, Empower Retirement, Putnam Investments and Irish Life.
In Canada, Great-West Lifeco operates under the Canada Life brand, offering a broad portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions and serves the financial security needs of more than 12 million customers. Globally our combined companies have approximately 24,500 employees, 205,000 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners – all serving more than 30 million customer relationships across these regions.
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.
We would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted
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