Senior Specialist, Data Governance (process and documentation)

Aviva; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider in York Region is seeking a Senior Specialist in Data Governance to ensure precision and transparency of documentation. The ideal candidate will possess over 7 years of experience in data governance, with expertise in developing and maintaining governance documentation. This role includes managing comprehensive governance processes and maintaining audit readiness. It offers a compelling rewards package and a hybrid work model, promoting career development and inclusion.

Benefits

Annual bonus eligibility

Retirement savings plan

Health benefits

Competitive vacation package

Corporate wellness programs

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in data governance and data quality.
• 5+ years developing governance documentation.
• Strong ability to connect governance processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain governance documentation.
• Manage data governance processes and documentation.
• Coordinate with stakeholders for governance activities.

Skills

Data governance

Documentation expertise

Process optimization

Strong communication skills

Regulatory familiarity

Tools

Confluence

SharePoint

iCare

Job description

Experience Aviva

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.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Specialist, Data Governance (process and documentation) to join our team in Markham. The role is critical for ensuring audit readiness and maintaining robust governance documentation across frameworks, standards, and processes. The ideal candidate will be a documentation expert someone who enjoys both writing and reading, and can build clear, rational artifacts and templates that connect across business units and global partners.

What You Will Do

This is a hands‑on, execution‑focused role ensuring the Data Governance Office (DGO) operates with precision, transparency, and audit readiness. You will own documentation, process development, and governance artefacts, while connecting activities across all governance domains and assessments.

A. Own All Documentation Needs for the DGO

• Develop, maintain, and enhance governance documentation: standards, policies, frameworks, procedures, and artefacts.
• Ensure updates are reflected in iCare, Confluence, SharePoint, and other repositories for easy access and version control.
• Maintain accurate documentation in iCare for risks owned by the DGO, including:
  • Control descriptions
  • Effectiveness testing evidence
  • Remediation plans
• Build templates, reporting views, and artefacts for governance outputs to support transparency and consistency.
• Ensure documentation is clear, auditable, and aligned with regulatory expectations (e.g., OSFI E‑21/E‑23).

B. Manage and Enhance Data Governance Processes

• Design and continuously improve end‑to‑end governance processes to cover annual DGO activities (attestations, control testing, submissions, reporting).
• Connect governance processes across:
  • Data Quality
  • Data Retention
  • Data Loss Prevention
  • Emerging areas like Model and AI Governance
• Integrate processes with:
  • Control Environment Assessments
  • Data Impact Assessments
  • Third‑Party Assessments
• Support intake and delivery of assessments and ensure timely execution and documentation.
• Act as a critical reviewer to identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for process optimization.

C. Own the Calendar and Annual Plan for DGO

• Maintain the master calendar of all DGO activities, including submission dates, deliverables, and dependencies.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure timely preparation of materials for:
  • Governance forums
  • Regulatory submissions
  • Internal audits
• Track progress against annual plans and escalate risks to delivery timelines or compliance obligations.

Additional responsibilities

• Ensure all governance artefacts and documentation are audit‑ready and aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Collaborate with Aviva Group (UK) teams to maintain alignment on standards, frameworks, and documentation updates.
• Manage DGO reporting, including dashboards and executive summaries for senior leadership.
• Support initiatives related to data quality, retention, paper records, and cloud migration from a documentation and process perspective.
• Act as a champion for governance literacy by creating clear, user‑friendly documentation and guidance for business stakeholders.
• Ensure the DGO intake process is functioning effectively and connected to planning and delivery.

What you’ll bring

• 7+ years of experience in data governance, data quality, data retention, and data loss prevention.
• 5+ years of experience developing and maintaining standards, frameworks, and governance documentation.
• Proven ability to design and optimize governance processes and connect them across multiple domains.
• Strong experience with Confluence, SharePoint, and risk management tools such as iCare.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g., OSFI E‑21/E‑23) and audit readiness practices.
• Ability to work effectively with global teams (Aviva Group UK) to ensure alignment and timely updates.
• Previous experience acting as a program manager or product owner for governance initiatives.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage calendars, deadlines, and deliverables across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills—able to present governance concepts clearly to business leaders and operational teams.

What makes you stand out

• A critical eye for connecting the dots across governance domains and assessments (Control Environment, Data Impact, Third‑Party) to create integrated processes.
• Proven success in building governance artefacts that are clear, auditable, and easy to adopt across business units.
• Ability to anticipate regulatory and audit requirements and proactively maintain documentation to avoid compliance gaps.
• Experience in creating governance templates, dashboards, and reporting views that simplify complex information for senior stakeholders.
• Strong influencing skills to drive alignment across global teams and multiple markets.
• High attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger picture and improve governance maturity.

What you’ll get

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
• 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.

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 an accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged.