Director, Governance Programs & Initiatives

Sun Life Financial; Southwestern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company is looking for a Director, Governance Programs and Initiatives to lead transformative governance programs that empower advisors and ensure regulatory compliance. In this leadership role, you will manage a team to enhance oversight capabilities, engage with senior leaders, and support strategic planning. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in wealth management and strong leadership skills. This position offers a salary range of $110,000 to $180,000 and promotes a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams.
• Exceptional project management skills with attention to detail.
• Solid knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to transform oversight programs.
• Manage compliance best practices and support field leaders.
• Partner with VP on strategy and budget oversight.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Problem Solving

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Job description

Overview

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.

Job Description:

Join Sun Life's Retail Advice & Solutions team as a Director, Governance Programs and Initiatives, where you'll lead transformative governance programs that directly enable our advisors to serve clients better while meeting regulatory expectations. Reporting to the VP, Business Governance & Controls, you'll drive strategic initiatives that balance regulatory compliance with practical, client-centric solutions.

This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll shape the future of first-line governance while developing a talented team and partnering with senior executives across the organization.

What Will you do?

Lead First Line Programs & Initiatives (50%)

Direct a team of Regulatory Programs Consultants to transform key oversight programs through:

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Facilitate workshops and sessions with subject matter experts to generate innovative, practical approaches to complex challenges
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Synthesize qualitative and quantitative insights to inform executive-level strategic decisions
• Executive Communication: Craft compelling narratives that drive productive discussions and decision-making at the senior leadership level
• Project Execution: Define and lead workstreams, managing priorities and adapting plans to deliver results on time and within scope
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Build alignment and buy-in on strategic vision and tactical plans across business and functional teams

Drive Compliance Excellence (35%)

Manage the Compliance Best Practices Consultants (CBPC) team to deliver:

• Field Support: Provide timely, pragmatic guidance and coaching to field leaders and advisors on compliance obligations
• Consistent Standards: Ensure the CBPC model delivers relevant and consistent support across the organization
• Proactive Engagement: Conduct regular meetings with Regional VPs, District Managers, and field management to identify training opportunities and elevate compliance awareness

Support Strategic Planning (15%)

Partner directly with the VP on BG&C strategy, including:

• Risk management activities for BG&C and RA&S
• Budget process and annual planning oversight
• Employee engagement initiatives and tactics

What do you need to succeed?

Leadership & Execution

• Proven track record building and leading high-performing, engaged teams in complex, matrix organizations
• Exceptional project management skills with outcomes-oriented delivery and meticulous attention to detail
• Talent development mindset with demonstrated success promoting team growth and mobility

Strategic & Analytical Capabilities

• Strong problem-solving skills combining creativity with analytical rigor
• Data proficiency: Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, interpreting results, and presenting insights to executive audiences
• Rapid learner who can quickly master new topics and work across diverse domains
• Communication & Influence
• Executive presence with excellent written and oral communication skills
• Stakeholder management expertise: Ability to collaborate with and influence leaders across multiple teams and seniority levels
• Excellent judgment and adaptability in dynamic environments

Industry Expertise

• Solid knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements in insurance and wealth sectors
• Minimum 10 years of relevant business experience, preferably in wealth management or financial services

You'll be at the intersection of regulatory excellence and advisor empowerment, creating practical solutions that protect both clients and the business. Your work will directly impact thousands of advisors and the clients they serve, while positioning you as a strategic leader in governance and compliance transformation.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today to join a team where your leadership will shape the future of governance at Sun Life.

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.

Diversity and inclusion have always been 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.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to [e-mail].

We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you! Several work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, interview scheduling.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Salary Range: 110,000/110 000 - 180,000/180 000

Job Category: Business Analysis - Process

Posting End Date: 12/02/2026