Head of Sustainability

Aviva Employment Services; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company in York Region is seeking a Head of Sustainability to drive and implement its sustainability agenda. In this pivotal role, you will align sustainability across the business, lead a high-performing team, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance social and environmental impact. Candidates should have extensive experience in sustainability or corporate responsibility, ideally within the financial sector, and a university degree in a related field.

Benefits

Base compensation and annual bonus

Retirement savings and share plan

Competitive vacation package

Corporate wellness programs

Qualifications

• 10 to 15 years of experience in corporate social responsibility or sustainability.
• Strong understanding of financial services industry and regulatory matters.
• Deep knowledge of Canada’s public policy related to sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead sustainability priorities and investments.
• Lead a high-performing sustainability team.
• Deliver the sustainability roadmap to 2040.

Skills

Leadership

Sustainability strategy

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

University degree in sustainability or related field

Job description

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.

Aviva Canada is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to drive the delivery and implementation of our sustainability agenda. This role is accountable for embedding sustainability across the business in alignment with Aviva’s global strategy, and for leading transformational change that amplifies our positive impact on society and the environment.

As the Head of Sustainability, you will own and elevate Aviva Canada’s sustainability plan, championing our objectives insocial action,climate action, andsustainable business practices. You will lead a high-performing team and collaborate with senior leaders, external partners, and global colleagues to integrate sustainability into every facet of our operations.

What you’ll do

Strategic Leadership

• Define and lead Aviva Canada’s sustainability priorities, targets, and investments in alignment with Aviva’s global commitments.
• Own and evolve the long-term sustainability plan, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and readiness for future challenges.
• Lead transformational change to embed sustainability into business processes, culture, and decision-making.

Team & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead a high-performing sustainability team and cross-functional leaders across climate and social impact.
• Collaborate with Aviva Canada’s senior leadership and Aviva’s global sustainability teams to drive integration and alignment.
• Represent Aviva Canada in external forums, influencing policy and industry practices.

Execution & Impact

• Deliver Aviva Canada’s sustainability roadmap to 2040, ensuring annual planning and execution.
• Allocate and manage the corporate philanthropy budget to programs aligned with Aviva’s values and measurable outcomes.
• Drive innovation and breakthrough thinking to advance environmental and social performance.

Governance & Reporting

• Lead risk prioritization, sustainability maturity, and materiality assessments.
• Ensure accurate, transparent, and timely reporting in line with regulatory expectations and industry standards.
• Uphold environmental and human rights principles across operations.

Partnerships & Advocacy

• Establish strategic partnerships with industry leaders and external stakeholders.
• Champion sustainability initiatives that deliver the greatest impact for customers, communities, and the environment.
• Partner with communications to deliver thought leadership and storytelling that highlights Aviva Canada’s sustainability impact.

What you’ll bring

• University degree in sustainability, finance, environmental science, public policy, or a related field.
• Professional qualifications or training in sustainability, ESG, or corporate responsibility an advantage.
• 10 to 15 years of proven experience incorporate social responsibility, sustainability, climate, or public affairs, ideally within the financial services sector.
• Strong understanding of thefinancial services industry, including product development and regulatory matters.
• Demonstratedinfluential leadershipand ability to align diverse stakeholders behind a common vision.
• Deep knowledge ofCanada’s public policy landscaperelated to climate change and sustainability.
• Expertise insustainability strategy, governance, risk management, and impact measurement.
• Exceptionalcommunication skills– written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Ability toinspire innovation, challenge the status quo, and uphold the highest ethical standards.

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.
• 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
• Hybrid flexible work model

Why Join Us?

This is a pivotal role that will shape Aviva Canada’s sustainability journey, foster a culture of commitment, and make a lasting impact on our employees, customers, and communities. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and global colleagues to orchestrate our sustainability goals and drive meaningful change.

Additional Information: Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.