Manager Actuarial Research & Development

Canada Life; Toronto; On-site; CAD 114,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education reimbursement

Health benefits

Pension plan

Volunteer day

Employee discounts

Mental health benefit

Job summary

Canada Life, part of Great-West Lifeco, is seeking a Manager, Actuarial Research & Development to drive experience studies and assumption recommendations for US Traditional Life within Capital & Risk Solutions. You will coach direct reports, collaborate with the broader actuarial team, and present findings to senior management.

The role emphasizes analytics, governance, and process improvement while staying current with regulatory and industry developments.

Qualifications

• FSA/FCIA with 3–5 years of experience.
• Familiarity with mortality and lapse experience study methodologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access).
• Proficiency in Moody’s AXIS (Regular Life module required; EBS module preferred).
• Proficiency in SQL and R; Python is an asset.
• Knowledge of US Individual Life insurance features and reinsurance structures.
• Knowledge of Canadian Standards of Practice.
• Strong analytical, decision making, negotiating and process improvement skills.
• Strong supervisory and team management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Experience solving multiple complex problems with planning and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Perform the annual experience studies for mortality and lapse.
• Manage data gathering, model setup and model runs.
• Review inputs and outputs for accuracy and appropriateness.
• Summarize results to facilitate analysis.
• Develop best estimate assumptions for US Traditional Life block.
• Interpret studies and recommend actions for reinsurance business.
• Assess impacts of proposed assumption changes on inforce business.
• Summarize analysis and recommendations in reports for senior management.
• Identify areas of process improvement and governance.
• Manage day-to-day work of 1–2 direct reports.

Skills

FSA/FCIA (3–5y)

Mortality/Lapse studies

MS Office

Moody's AXIS

SQL

R

US Life products

Canadian Standards of Practice

Analytical/Decision making

Supervisory experience

Communication/presentation

Tools

Moody's AXIS

SQL

R

Job description

Permanent Full Time

We are looking for a Manager, Actuarial Research and Development. The Manager, Actuarial Research & Development develops recommendations for the actuarial bases in respect of the US Traditional Life product in the Capital & Risk Solutions division. He/she will be responsible for the production of the annual experience studies for mortality and lapse.

The Manager will learn about changes in the external landscape, including emerging experience, best practices, regulatory, product and industry related issues, and apply this knowledge to identify key areas of focus for strategic review. Analytical, problem-solving & critical thinking skills are all important capabilities of the role.

The Manager will work closely with the Director, Actuarial Research & Development to coach, train, and mentor one or more direct reports. He/she will also collaborate with other members of the larger Actuarial team on various projects. Communication and organizational skills are important capabilities of the role.

What you will do:

Experience Studies Production

• Perform the annual experience studies for mortality and lapse
• Manage the process of data gathering, model setup, and model runs
• Review inputs and outputs for accuracy and appropriateness
• Summarize results to facilitate subsequent analysis

Experience Analysis And Assumption Recommendations

• Develop best estimate assumptions for the US Traditional Life block through analysis of internal and external data and research
• Interpret and understand the results of internal and external actuarial studies and recommend actions that will allow any emerging trends to be reflected in the reinsurance business
• Assess the impacts of proposed assumption changes on inforce business; test and recommend required changes to actuarial models
• Summarize analysis and recommendations in cohesive reports for communication to senior management groups

Experience Studies Process Improvement

• Identify areas of improvement in existing processes
• Recommend best practices in model governance and process workflows

People Management and Development

• Manage day-to-day work of 1-2 direct reports

What you will bring:

• FSA/FCIA 3-5 years experience
• Familiarity with mortality and lapse experience study methodologies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access)
• Proficiency in Moody’s AXIS (Regular Life module required; EBS module preferred)
• Proficiency in SQL and R (Python an asset)
• Knowledge of U.S. Individual Life insurance product features and reinsurance structures
• Knowledge of Canadian Standards of Practice
• Strong analytical, decision making, negotiating, process improvement skills
• Strong supervisory and team management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and presentation skills
• Extensive experience of solving multiple complex problems, planning, organization, collaboration skills

The base salary for this position is between $113,500.00 - $163,500.00 annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation ( i.e. annual bonus, commission etc). If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.

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 Great-West Lifeco

Great-West Lifeco Inc is a Canadian headquarter, international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses. We operate in Canada, the United States, and Europe under the brands: Canada Life, Empower and Irish Life. At the end of 2024, our companies had over 32,250 employees, 106,000 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners – serving approximately 40 million customer relationships.

Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies.

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 Great-West Lifeco.

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 Great-West Lifeco policies.