Senior Specialist – Records Retention & Data Loss

Aviva; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in York Region seeks a Senior Specialist in Records Retention & Data Loss to safeguard organizational data. This role involves managing data loss risks, designing governance frameworks, and leading risk assessments, while collaborating with IT and business units. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in data governance and a strong background in the insurance industry. This position offers a hybrid work model and outstanding career development opportunities.

Benefits

Compelling rewards package

Hybrid flexible work model

Outstanding career development opportunities

Competitive vacation package

Corporate wellness programs

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in data governance and data loss risk management.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with standards, controls, frameworks, and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of Property & Casualty insurance regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage data loss risks and ensure records retention.
• Lead governance activities and control testing.
• Collaborate with IT and business units on risk mitigation.

Skills

Data governance

Data loss risk management

Risk mitigation

Collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

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 seeking a Senior Specialist – Records Retention & Data Loss to join our Data Governance team. This role is critical in safeguarding organizational data by managing risks related to data loss (including accidental data loss) and ensuring robust records retention controls. You will design and maintain governance frameworks, lead risk assessments, and collaborate across IT, business units, second line of defense, and audit teams to ensure compliance and alignment with Group standards.

What You Will Do

• Owner of the data loss risk including accidental data loss
• Own and maintain standards, frameworks, processes, artefacts, and controls for data loss and records retention across the organization.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with data loss and retention, ensuring alignment with enterprise and Group-level policies.
• Lead annual governance activities, including Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA), control testing, and reporting on risks, mitigations, and remediation plans.
• Design and implement procedures and guidance for data governance, risk management, and compliance with regulatory and internal audit requirements.
• Collaborate with IT, business units, second line risk teams, and audit to ensure robust governance and effective risk mitigation.
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for projects involving data governance, records retention, and data loss controls, providing input on assessments, waivers, and remediation strategies.
• Support incident management for accidental data loss events, including escalation, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with retention schedules, retention processes, training, processes, and governance standards for data lifecycle management.
• Drive and support the DGO in executing the Data Governance strategy, policy, standards and adoption of DG processes and value
• Contribute to the execution of Data Risk and Control Framework
• Monitor adherence to enterprise Data Governance framework and Data Governance policies and standards
• Identify exceptions to policies/standards and escalates exceptions to the DGO and Data Council

What You Will Bring

• 7+ years of experience in data governance and data loss risk management, including accidental data loss.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience designing and implementing standards, controls, frameworks, and procedures for data loss and records retention.
• Proven ability to manage risk mitigation as a program, including planning, execution, and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of the Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance industry, regulatory requirements, and compliance frameworks.
• Practical experience conducting Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA), documenting findings, and driving remediation.
• Expertise in framework development, process improvement, and governance artefact creation.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with second line risk teams, audit, IT, and business stakeholders.
• Skilled in control testing, risk event management, and governance reporting.
• Familiarity with legal hold processes, retention schedules, and lifecycle management of data.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence presenting to senior leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
• Ability to work in complex, regulated environments and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Proven experience delivering projects focused on data loss prevention and records retention controls.
• Ability to design governance templates, dashboards, and reporting views for risk and compliance.
• Strong collaboration skills with second line of defense, audit, and Group governance teams.
• Deep understanding of data classification, risk event management, and control effectiveness.
• Industry experience in Insurance (Property & Casualty) or other regulated environments.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate risks and drive continuous improvement in governance practices.

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.

#LI-SG1
#LI-Hybrid