Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Underwriting/ Personal Lines)

Aviva; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development

Education support

Vacation package

Diversity & inclusion programs

Wellness programs

Insurance discounts

Job summary

Aviva Canada seeks a Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Underwriting/ Personal Lines) to shape and execute the strategic direction for Product, National Underwriting, Partnerships, Direct, and Specialty businesses.

You will partner with senior leadership to drive planning, performance management, market intelligence, and cross-functional initiatives that advance growth, profitability, and customer outcomes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in strategy, business planning, consulting, portfolio management, or related field.
• Proven success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-management skills.
• Experience supporting senior leadership teams and driving organizational priorities.
• P&C insurance experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Personal Insurance products, distribution channels, and market dynamics is an asset.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Economics, Finance, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• MBA, Project Management, Strategy, or Consulting certifications are considered assets.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of multi-year business strategies and roadmaps.
• Monitor progress against strategic priorities and ensure delivery of key commitments.
• Establish governance processes and provide reporting to senior leadership.
• Identify and mitigate risks, dependencies, and barriers to execution.
• Deliver market, competitor, and industry insights to inform decisions.
• Lead cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives driving performance and transformation.
• Support executive planning, business reviews, and leadership discussions.
• Build partnerships across the organization to align priorities and accelerate results.

Skills

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Market intelligence

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Commerce/Economics/Finance

MBA (assets)

Job description

About the Role

We're looking for a strategic and results-oriented professional to join our team as Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Underwriting/ Personal Lines) . Reporting to the SVP, this role will help shape and execute the strategic direction for Product, National Underwriting, Partnerships, Direct, and Specialty businesses.

As a trusted advisor and execution partner to senior leadership, you will drive strategic planning, business performance management, market intelligence, and cross-functional initiatives that support growth, profitability, operational excellence, and exceptional customer outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development and execution of multi-year business strategies and roadmaps.
• Monitor progress against strategic priorities, ensuring accountability and delivery of key commitments.
• Establish governance processes and provide reporting and insights to senior leadership.
• Identify and mitigate risks, dependencies, and barriers to execution.
• Deliver market, competitor, and industry insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives that drive business performance and transformation.
• Support executive planning, business reviews, and leadership team discussions.
• Build strong partnerships across the organization to align priorities and accelerate results.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of experience in strategy, business planning, consulting, portfolio management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-management skills.
• Experience supporting senior leadership teams and driving organizational priorities.
• P&C insurance experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Personal Insurance products, distribution channels, and market dynamics is an asset.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• MBA, Project Management, Strategy, or Consulting certifications are considered assets.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, influence strategic direction, and lead high-impact initiatives that shape the future of our Product, Underwriting, Partnerships, Direct, and Specialty businesses.

What you'll get

• The salary band for this position ranges from $100,000 to $165,000. 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.