AVP, Cyber and Data Risk

Aviva Canada; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base compensation

Annual bonus eligibility

Health benefits

Flexible work model

Career development opportunities

Competitive vacation package

Corporate wellness programs

Job summary

Aviva Canada is seeking an AVP, Cyber & Data Risk in Markham, Ontario. This role involves leading oversight of data privacy and cybersecurity, requiring 10+ years of experience in data governance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of ISO 27001 and NIST frameworks, along with excellent communication and relationship-building skills. The position offers a compelling rewards package, hybrid work model, and outstanding opportunities for career development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data governance, data management, or analytics.
• Strong understanding of Cyber Security, including ISO 27001 and NIST.
• Ability to tackle sophisticated problems and drive outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide second-line oversight of cyber security practices and data privacy.
• Lead data risk reviews and assessment activities.
• Deliver insight-driven reports highlighting trends and risks.

Skills

Data governance

Cybersecurity

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Relationship building

Knowledge of data practices

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

Job description

Experience Aviva

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 Opportunity

We’re looking for an AVP, Cyber & Data Risk to lead second‑line oversight of data privacy, data governance and cybersecurity across Aviva Canada. In this role, you’ll shape how we manage data risk, strengthen controls, and respond to an evolving regulatory and technology landscape.

You’ll work closely with partners across the business to provide independent challenge, guide decision making, and support strong governance practices. You will also play a key role in advancing our approach to emerging areas such as GenAI, automation, and data ethics.

This is a highly visible opportunity to influence strategy, build positive relationships, and help ensure Aviva delivers safe, fair, and trusted outcomes for our customers.

What You’ll Do

• Provide second‑line oversight of cyber security practices, data privacy and data governance risks.
• Partner with first‑line teams to identify risks, strengthen controls, and improve data practices.
• Lead data risk reviews, deep dives, and assessment activities to ensure regulatory and policy alignment.
• Deliver clear, insight‑driven reports that highlight trends, issues, and emerging risks.
• Build positive relationships across the business to support consistent and effective risk management.
• Champion best practices in cybersecurity, data governance, privacy, GenAI, and automation.
• Collaborate with teams to enable safe and efficient automation and AI use cases.
• Maintain documentation that supports governance, transparency, and compliance.
• Contribute to strong customer outcomes through sound risk oversight.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in data governance, data management, analytics, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of Cyber Security including ISO 27001 and NIST framework.
• Strong understanding of data privacy, data quality, and regulatory expectations.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to influence partners at all levels.
• Experience assessing risks, reviewing controls, and preparing insight‑driven reports.
• Ability to tackle sophisticated problems, make sound decisions, and drive outcomes.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and a collaborative working style.
• Knowledge of data architecture, data lineage, data quality, data retention and emerging data practices.
• Good understanding of Secure by Design principles.
• Curiosity and adaptability to keep pace with evolving technologies, including AI and automation.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience working with GenAI, automation, and AI governance.
• Familiarity with operational risk practices.
• Strong visual communication and storytelling skills.
• Ability to effectively challenge senior leaders with confidence and clarity.
• Deep understanding of cyber, data, and IT infrastructure domains.

What You’ll Get

• 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.

Aviva Canada welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and has a process in place to provide accommodations for persons with disabilities at all stages of the hiring process and during employment. If you require an accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged.