Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Execution, Aviva Direct

Aviva Canada; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Competitive vacation package

Job summary

Aviva Canada is seeking a highly motivated Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Execution to drive cross-functional strategic programs from strategy through execution. You will coordinate initiatives across multiple functions, ensuring alignment, ownership, and timely delivery, while identifying risks and optimizing performance.

The role demands strong business acumen, practical problem-solving, and collaboration with senior leaders to turn ambitious goals into measurable results.

Qualifications

• Requires 2-3 years of experience in P&C insurance or management consulting.
• Experience supporting cross-functional initiatives, strategy, operations or transformation programs.
• Strong analytical and business acumen with ability to drive implementation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate initiatives across multiple business functions to execute Direct's priorities and five-year growth ambitions.
• Serve as central coordinator for strategic programs to ensure alignment and timely delivery.
• Identify risks, dependencies and bottlenecks; drive resolution and momentum.
• Develop governance, planning, tracking and reporting for cross-functional initiatives.
• Produce executive dashboards and management reporting to inform decisions.
• Translate market insights into actionable recommendations to improve performance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Execution

Influencing

Education

University degree in Business or related field

Job description

Experience Aviva

Experience AvivaTogether, we are Aviva. Our values — Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence — guide how we show up for each other and for our customers. Individually, they’re words. Together, they define who we are.
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.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a results-driven Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Execution to play a critical role in delivering Aviva Direct\'s strategic priorities and long-term growth ambitions. Reporting to the AVP, Direct & Partnerships, this position will serve as a key partner in driving cross-functional initiatives from strategy through execution, ensuring business priorities are translated into clear action plans and delivered with discipline, accountability, and measurable impact.

The successful candidate brings a strong blend of business acumen, strategic thinking, and structured problem-solving capabilities. They excel in navigating complex business challenges, building alignment across diverse stakeholder groups, and driving execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment. A natural influencer and collaborator, this individual can effectively coordinate teams across multiple functions, remove barriers, and maintain momentum to achieve shared business outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution and is passionate about turning ambitious goals into tangible results.

What You\'ll Do

Strategic Execution & Delivery

• Own the opportunity board and supporting the execution of Direct\'s priorities and five-year growth ambitions by coordinating initiatives across multiple business functions.


• Act as the central point of coordination (\"quarterback\") for key strategic programs, ensuring alignment, accountability, and timely delivery.


• Identify risks, dependencies, and execution bottlenecks, proactively driving resolution and maintaining momentum.

Project & Program Management

• Bring strong project management discipline to cross-functional initiatives, including planning, governance, tracking, and reporting.


• Establish clear milestones, success metrics, and stakeholder accountability frameworks.


• Facilitate working sessions and governance forums to ensure initiatives remain on track.

Stakeholder Management & Problem Solving

• Build strong relationships across business, operational, technology, and support functions.


• Influence stakeholders at various levels to drive alignment and decision-making.


• Address day-to-day business challenges and remove obstacles that may impact delivery.

Business Analysis & Reporting

• Develop executive-level reporting, dashboards, and presentations that provide visibility into progress, outcomes, risks, and opportunities.


• Conduct analysis to identify performance improvement opportunities and support data-driven decision-making.


• Prepare business cases and strategic recommendations to support investment and prioritization decisions.

Market & Competitive Insights

• Maintain an ongoing understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging industry developments within the P&C insurance landscape.


• Translate external insights into actionable recommendations that improve customer experience, operational effectiveness, and business performance.


• Proactively identify opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation.

Required

Qualifications & Experience

• University degree in Business, Commerce, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.


• 2-3 years of experience in P&C insurance or management consulting with demonstrated work supporting Property & Casualty insurance carriers, ideally with exposure to cross-functional initiatives, strategy, operations, or transformation programs.


• Strong understanding of P&C insurance operations and business processes, with an appreciation for how different functions contribute to organizational objectives.


• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.


• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with a bias toward action and execution.


• Strong analytical and business acumen with the ability to identify opportunities and drive them through implementation.

Preferred

• Experience supporting enterprise transformation, strategic planning, or business performance initiatives.


• Familiarity with business case development, financial analysis, and benefits tracking.


• Experience creating executive dashboards and management reporting.

What Success Looks Like

• Strategic initiatives are delivered on time and with high-quality execution.


• Senior leaders have clear visibility into progress through effective reporting and governance.


• Cross-functional teams remain aligned and engaged despite competing priorities.


• Risks and bottlenecks are identified early and resolved quickly.


• Opportunities to improve customer outcomes, business performance, and operational efficiency are continuously identified and implemented.

What You\'ll Get

• The salary band for this position ranges from $100,000 to $120,000. Please note that individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experience, as well as internal equity.


• Hybrid flexible work model.


• 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).

This job advertisement is for an existing 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 accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged.