Director, Programs & Advisor Community - Financial Horizons

Canada Life; London; On-site; CAD 107,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education reimbursement up to $2,000

Mental health benefit up to $5,000

Volunteer day

Company-matching pension plan

Job summary

Canada Life is seeking a seasoned leader to advance advisor development and strengthen engagement for Financial Horizons’ MGA ecosystem. You will design programs, scout industry opportunities, and coach speakers to deliver practical, impactful content.

Travel up to 30% across Canada is expected, with strong cross‑functional collaboration to meet business goals. The role requires 8+ years in strategy and events, a deep understanding of Canadian financial services, and a proven ability to

Qualifications

• 8+ years in program strategy, event leadership, advisor development, or related field.
• Deep understanding of Canadian financial services and MGA environments.
• Experience working with financial advisors and leading large-scale programs.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and build executive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic advisor programs, events, and recognition initiatives aligned to growth strategy.
• Design educational, business development, and leadership programs for advisors.
• Manage and optimize an annual program budget exceeding $7 million.
• Coordinate stakeholders and partners to ensure seamless delivery and exceptional participant experiences.
• Partner with executives to align initiatives with business priorities and drive accountability.

Skills

Program strategy

Event leadership

Advisor development

Executive influence

Budget management

Content development

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Strategic partnership

Job description

Permanent Full Time

As one of Canada’s leading MGAs, Financial Horizons helps over 6,500 independent advisors grow their businesses and achieve their vision of success. Financial Horizons has over 30 offices and more than 350 employees – all focused on amplifying their business with the right opportunities and solutions at the right time for them.

Canada Life acquired Financial Horizons in 2017. Canada Life is a member of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies and serves the financial security needs of more than 13 million people across Canada, with additional operations in Europe and the United States.

Financial Horizons continues to operate independently in the marketplace.

As Financial Horizons continues to grow its position as a leading MGA serving independent advisors, we are seeking an experienced, impactful, and influential leader to advance advisor development, strengthen advisor engagement, and elevate Financial Horizons' industry presence through best-in‑class programs, events, and community‑building initiatives.

Success in this role requires a unique combination of strategic thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, influencing capability, and execution excellence. The ideal candidate understands advisor businesses, can anticipate evolving advisor needs, and thrives in complex environments where collaboration, adaptability, attention to detail, and high standards are essential.

What You Will Do

Lead Strategic Advisor Programs and Events

• Develop and execute advisor programs, events, and recognition initiatives aligned to Financial Horizons' growth strategy.
• Identify advisor needs, industry trends, and business opportunities to inform program design.
• Partner with senior leaders to create targeted engagement strategies for key advisor segments.
• Establish a multi-year roadmap that positions Financial Horizons programs and events as industry-leading experiences.

Drive Advisor Development and Content Strategy

• Design educational, business development, and leadership programs that help advisors grow their businesses.
• Leverage a deep understanding of advisor businesses, entrepreneurial challenges, and market opportunities to shape program content.
• Source, engage, and coach speakers to ensure content is relevant, practical, and impactful.
• Align program outcomes with advisor needs, business objectives, and carrier partner priorities.
• Deliver experiences that drive advisor engagement, retention, and growth.

Lead Financial and Operational Excellence

• Manage and optimize an annual program and events budget exceeding $7 million.
• Establish strong financial governance, forecasting, reporting, and ROI measurement.
• Coordinate multiple stakeholders and partners to ensure seamless program delivery and exceptional participant experiences.
• Drive continuous improvement, operational effectiveness, and a culture of excellence.
• Balance meticulous attention to detail with the flexibility to adapt to evolving priorities and opportunities.

Foster Executive Collaboration and Industry Leadership

• Partner with Financial Horizons Executive Leadership, Sales Leadership, and Business Unit Leaders to align initiatives with business priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor on advisor engagement, development, and community-building strategies.
• Build strong relationships with carrier partners, industry experts, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Lead through influence, driving accountability and alignment across teams without direct authority.
• Position Financial Horizons as a leader in advisor development and community engagement.

What You Will Bring

• 8+ years of experience in program strategy, event leadership, advisor development, financial services distribution, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of the Canadian financial services industry, MGA environments, and advisor business needs.
• Direct experience working with financial advisors and a strong appreciation for their entrepreneurial mindset and business challenges.
• Proven experience leading large-scale programs, conferences, or advisor‑facing initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and build trusted executive relationships.
• Proven ability to lead through influence and collaborate across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience managing significant budgets and optimizing investments to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Expertise in content development, speaker engagement, experience design, and program management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives and competing priorities.
• Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, business acumen, and judgment.
• High attention to detail, adaptability, professionalism, and executive presence.
• Given the travel requirements for this role, a valid driver license and vehicle are required.

Additional Information

• Preferred location: Southwestern Ontario, including the GTA, Kitchener‑Waterloo, or London region.
• Travel requirement: Approximately 30% across Canada in support of advisor events, conferences, and development programs.

The base salary for this position is between $107,300 - $157,300 annually.

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Grow with Canada Life

We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well‑being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.

We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you!

What we offer

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry‑leading learning programs and up to$2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
• Health & Wellness:Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well‑being.
• Time Off:In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
• Financial Security:Company-matching pension plan,share ownership program and additionalinvestment options.
• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
• Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.

Learn more about Canada Life.

We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact [e-mail]. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.

Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.