VP, Total Rewards

Aviva; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking a Vice President of Total Rewards to lead the strategy and execution of reward programs in Markham, Canada. This role involves overseeing compensation, benefits, and mobility strategies while ensuring compliance with business objectives. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of HR experience, strong stakeholder management skills, and a deep knowledge of Total Rewards frameworks. The position offers a compelling rewards package and a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Competitive vacation package

Hybrid flexible work model

Health benefits

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience focused on Total Rewards.
• Proven experience leading complex reward strategies.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and governance of all reward programs.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to align reward strategies with business goals.
• Provide oversight to the Rewards team and ensure compliance.

Skills

HR experience

Executive compensation knowledge

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

University Degree or equivalent

HR professional designation (e.g. CHRP)

Job description

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.

As Vice President, Total Rewards, you will lead the strategy, governance, and execution of all reward programs for Aviva Canada. This includes compensation, pension, benefits, mobility, wellness, share schemes, and performance management. You will play a critical role in shaping competitive and equitable reward practices that attract and retain top talent, while ensuring compliance and alignment with business objectives. As a member of both the Canadian HR Leadership Team and the Global Rewards Leadership Team, you will influence organizational design, compensation frameworks, and HR capability development to support the business today and into the future.

What you’ll do

• As a member of the market HR Leadership team, participate in developing and implementing Canadian strategies to deliver on the corporate strategy.
• As a member of the Global Rewards Leadership Team, participates in developing and implementing global reward strategies and align practices across Aviva markets as appropriate.
• Leadership for the Rewards team, that includes all Compensation, Benefits, Mobility and Pension, including accountability to the Canadian Board for defined benefit and contribution plans.
• Providing guidance and oversight to the team, contribute to the development and implementation of rewards, mobility and benefits strategy, develop and maintain rewards and benefits processes, procedures and policies and advise the business accordingly.
• Oversee compensation due diligence and recommendations for all VP+ hires and promotions while advising Aviva Canada’s CEO on all compensation-related matters for their leadership team.
• Partner with finance to ensure Business plans are aligned with salary and rewards objectives.
• Shape and implement rewards, compensation, and benefits strategies aligned with Aviva’s objectives, act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on key decisions.
• Provide strategic input on reward initiatives, ensuring policies remain relevant, well-communicated, and risk managed.
• Lead budgeting, team performance, engagement, and process improvements; drive training and major projects beyond team scope.
• Represent Aviva to regulators, auditors, and external stakeholders; resolve legacy reward issues and maintain strong visibility in the HR community.
• Stay current on employment law, market trends, and innovations; embed best practices and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Own reward-related aspects of the employee experience, supporting feedback-driven culture change.
• Partner with senior leaders to deliver strategic, fit-for-purpose HR solutions aligned with business priorities.
• Ensure all reward decisions align with employee experience and organizational financial objectives.

What you’ll bring

• University Degree or equivalent; HR professional designation (e.g. CHRP) preferred

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience with a focus on Total Rewards, including executive compensation, benefits, mobility, and pension programs.
• Deep knowledge of Total Rewards frameworks, job evaluation methodologies, and market benchmarking.
• Proven experience leading large, complex reward strategies in a global or multi-market organization with strong understanding of Canadian pension governance and compliance requirements.
• Excellent coaching and consulting skills, including a successful record of building personal credibility and managing relationships with key executive decision-makers.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost optimization.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to navigate complex governance and regulatory environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on innovation.

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.

Additional Information

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.