Manager, Operational Expenses

Definity; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 88,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Share ownership program

Pension and RRSP

Volunteer days

Tuition assistance

Wellness programs

Product discounts

Job summary

Definity is seeking a Manager, Operational Expense Management to lead centralized expense planning, forecasting, and optimization across Personal Insurance, including Family and Petline. You will partner with senior leadership to drive reporting and performance insights.

You will build dashboards, govern budgeting processes, and coach the Expense Planning & Analysis team to deliver value through financial discipline and strategic trade-offs.

Qualifications

• University degree in Business, Accounting, Economics, Finance, or related field; CPA designation required.
• Minimum 5 years of FP&A, expense management, forecasting, budgeting, and performance management.
• Strong expertise in financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, workforce planning, and operating expense management.
• Ability to partner with senior leaders, providing insights for strategic decisions.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management; influence credibility across the org.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint for executive reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead operating expense planning, forecasting, budgeting, modelling, and scenario analysis for Personal Insurance.
• Monitor and report expense performance, trends, variances, risks, and opportunities for senior leadership.
• Partner with Finance and business leaders for accurate expense allocation and workforce planning.
• Develop dashboards, scorecards, and metrics to track performance.
• Drive cost-saving opportunities through optimization and benchmarking.
• Advise leadership on expense management and business trade-offs.
• Lead governance, reporting, and improvement initiatives across planning and forecasting.
• Coach and develop the Expense Planning & Analysis team.

Skills

FP&A

Expense management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial modelling

Executive partnership

Excel

PowerPoint

Education

CPA designation

University degree (Business/Accounting/Finance)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Personal Insurance Operational Planning & Analysis, the Manager, Operational Expense Management plays a critical role in leading the centralized expense planning, forecasting, performance management, and expense optimization across the Personal Insurance business. The role is accountable for overseeing the consolidated Personal Insurance expense portfolio, including Family Insurance and Petline, while serving as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team.

What To Expect

• Lead operating expense planning, forecasting, budgeting, financial modelling, and scenario analysis for Personal Insurance.


• Monitor and report on expense performance, trends, variances, risks, and opportunities, providing insights to senior leadership.


• Partner with Finance and business leaders to ensure accurate expense allocation, reporting, and workforce planning.


• Develop dashboards, scorecards, and performance metrics to track operational and financial performance.


• Drive expense optimization, productivity initiatives, benchmarking activities, and the realization of cost‑saving opportunities.


• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on expense management, financial trade‑offs, and business performance.


• Lead governance, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives across planning, forecasting, and analytical processes.


• Coach and develop the Expense Planning & Analysis team, fostering a high‑performing and collaborative culture.

What You Bring

• University degree in Business, Accounting, Economics, Finance, or a related field, with a CPA designation required.


• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), expense management, forecasting, budgeting, and business performance management.


• Strong expertise in financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, workforce planning, and operating expense management.


• Proven ability to partner with senior leaders and executives, providing financial insights that support strategic decision‑making.


• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility across the organization.


• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to develop impactful analyses, reports, and executive‑level presentations.


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a track record of translating data into actionable business recommendations.


• P&C insurance industry experience is considered a strong asset.

Salary Range

$88,000-138,000

About Us

Actual salary for the role may vary depending on work location of the successful candidate and other factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, working conditions and the local labour market.

This position is being posted to fill an existing vacancy.

We know from experience that a candidate doesn’t need 100% of the qualifications listed to bring incredible value to our team. We’re actively seeking diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help us make insurance better. At Definity, inclusion, diversity, and equity aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re essential to our success.

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid work schedule for most roles


• Company share ownership program


• Incentive Program - Eligible employees may participate in various incentive plans which are paid out at the discretion of the company and subject to individual and company performance.


• Pension and savings programs, with company‑matched RRSP contributions


• Paid volunteer days and company matching on charitable donations


• Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid time off to study for exams


• Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC counsellors, access to programs for working parents


• Wellness and recognition programs


• Discounts on products and services

Go ahead and expect a lot — you deserve it.

It’s better here — but don’t take our word for it. Definity was named by Great Place to Work® as one of the Best Workplaces™ in Canada for women, for youth, and for inclusion.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].

As part of Definity’s commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that our work, meetings, and travel take place on the lands now known as Canada, and recognize the enduring presence, wisdom, and stewardship of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have long cared for these lands.

Background checks

This role requires successful clearance of background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).

About The Team

Definity is the parent company to some of Canada’s most long‑standing and innovative insurance brands, including Economical Insurance, Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance. Our ambition is to be one of Canada’s leading and most innovative property and casualty insurers. We can’t do that without our people, so we embrace and encourage a culture that’s collaborative, ambitious, rewarding, and empowering.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work experience where employees work from the office and virtually depending on the type of work they are doing and who they are working with. Bring your true self and be a part of our journey. It’s better here.