AVP, Technology and Transformation Risk

Aviva plc; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid flexible work model

Bonus eligibility & retirement savings

Health benefits & wellness programs

Volunteer opportunities

Career development support

Generous vacation options

Job summary

Aviva Canada is seeking an AVP, Technology & Transformation Risk to lead second-line oversight of technology, data privacy, data governance, cybersecurity and transformation across the organization. You will shape how data risk is managed, strengthen controls, and support governance across evolving regulatory and tech landscapes.

The role partners with business units to challenge decisions, influence risk posture, and advance GenAI, automation, and data ethics while delivering safe, trusted

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years in data governance, data management, analytics, or related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 27001 and NIST cyber security frameworks.
• Clear, confident communication with ability to influence partners at all levels.
• Experience assessing risks, reviewing controls, and producing insight-driven reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide second-line oversight of technology, cyber security practices, data privacy, data governance and transformation 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 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.

Skills

Data governance

Data privacy

Regulatory compliance

Cyber security

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Data Science/Math/Business

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, Technology & Transformation Risk to lead second‑line oversight of technology, data privacy, data governance, cybersecurity and transformation 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 technology, cyber security practices, data privacy, data governance and transformation 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.

This job advertisement is for an existing vacancy which has been posted both internally & externally.

Aviva Canada may use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools to assist us throughout the recruitment process to screen, assess or select applicants for a position.

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.

We help our 19.5 million customers to save for the future and manage the risks of everyday life. To give these customers the best possible products and service we know we must make Aviva the most attractive choice for talented, entrepreneurial people with diverse backgrounds and an evolving range of expertise and insight. So, we’re passionate about helping our 23,000 people to do the best work of their lives, to enable them to make a positive difference to the lives of our customers.