IT Program Manager - Insurance

Aviva; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid flexible work model

Health benefits

Annual bonus eligibility

Retirement savings plan

Career development opportunities

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Aviva Canada is seeking a highly motivated Program Manager to deliver on transformational insurance programs. You will lead cross-functional teams, manage budgets, scope and timeline while engaging executives and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.

The role requires deep PM experience, PMP certification, and a track record with large-scale budgets. Hybrid work model and strong growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large programs in insurance or transformational initiatives.
• PM certification (PMP) is required and guidewire/cloud tech familiarity is a plus.
• Minimum 12 years of program management for large, multi-year initiatives.
• Balance Agile methods with governance requirements and executive engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full project lifecycle to achieve intended outcomes.
• Manage executive expectations and foster client/vendor relationships.
• Develop integrated plans with scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Lead teams including partners to meet objectives.
• Identify, document, and mitigate project risks.
• Provide regular status updates and reports to stakeholders.
• Baseline and monitor scope; activate change requests as needed.
• Oversee financials, cost models, accruals and reconciliation.
• Ensure quality per Aviva framework and governance rules.
• Navigate governance and compliance for delivery.
• Resolve issues proactively and drive project success.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Executive stakeholder engagement

Communication

Risk management

Financial management

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

PMP certification

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

MS Project

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Teams

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.

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.

We are looking for a highly motivated Program Manager who can drive Delivery in alignment with the organization mandate and goals. You are strong in program & project management practice and possess both business and technical competence. You support the team and work to achieve results within the constraints of budget, schedule and scope. You are a leader, an influencer, a teammate and a collaborator.

What you’ll do

• Drive Results : Lead and drive the entire Project lifecycle with the superordinate goal to achieve the intended Project outcome.
• Stakeholder Management : Experience leading large programs, managing executive expectations, facilitate data based, factual and objective conversations. Champion strong relationships with clients, vendors, and team members to improve collaboration and project success.
• Program & Project Planning : Develop integrated project plans, including scope, timelines, budget, and allocation of resources.
• Team Leadership : Lead project teams, including internal and external partners, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives.
• Risk Management : Assume complete accountability towards identification, documentation and management of Project Risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure successful project delivery.
• Communication : Maintain clear and open communication channels with project stakeholders, providing regular updates and reports.
• Scope Management : Work closely with the Business and Technology Partners to baseline and monitor project scope and activate change requests as needed.
• Financial Management : Responsible for managing the financials of Project – this includes creating and maintaining cost models, identifying and reporting accruals and ensuring complete, accurate reconciliation of financials as per the established financial process. Own the financial book of work and drive outcomes to stay within budget.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure project deliverables meet the established Aviva Framework pertaining to quality standards and guidelines.
• Governance : Ensure project adheres to the established Change Delivery Governance Framework and is operating within the established control environment. Ensure compliance with the Quality contract and all pertinent and associated requirements within the framework.
• Critical thinking & Problem Solving : Proactively identify and resolve project risks before they become issues and lead the efforts to mitigate and resolve the issues. Bring Thought leadership to the table to navigate through extenuating circumstances, challenge Status Quo and own and drive the project to success.

What you’ll bring

• Background and experience in Insurance and preferably Transformational Programs
• Experience with Guidewire Suite and Cloud Technologies, nice to have
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. Project management certification (PMP) is a must
• Experience as a Program & Project Manager with at least 12 years’ experience managing programs with large budget (10 MM+), and complex solutions spanning over multiple years
• Experience managing Programs balancing Agile Ways of Working and Governance requirements
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proficiency to work with Executive stakeholders
• Experience operating under PMO governance
• Experience overseeing multiple projects within a program structure
• Critical thinking, problem solving and conflict resolution
• Financial proficiency and hands‑on experience managing large scale budgets
• Excellent leadership, communication, management and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated proficiency to lead large programs and enable successful outcomes
• Demonstrated proficiency to manage multiple collaborators across leadership levels, cross functional teams, Vendor partners, Onshore/Offshore/Near-shore teams as required for the Program.
• Ability to support, influence and negotiate project decisions based on data
• Knowledge of different project management methodologies
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex scenarios
• Proficiency in MS Project, Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), Teams and SharePoint
• Proficiency in JIRA and Confluence

What you’ll get

• The salary band for this position ranges from $120,000 to $170,000. Please note that individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experience, as well as internal equity.
• 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.
• Employee discount on home and auto insurance (where applicable).
• Hybrid flexible work model.

This job advertisement is for a new 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.

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