Director, Archer Product Owner

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

About the role

Reporting to the AVP Corporate Risk Operations and matrix reporting to Compliance, and Internal Audit AVPs, the role will actively lead the Corporate Risk management, Enterprise Compliance, and Internal Audit (RCIA) Archer programs to achieve Governance, Risk and Controls (GRC) integration between the functions in four aspects:  vision execution, operational alignment, technology implementation oversight, and deployment management.

The RCIA functions have adopted Archer as our GRC tool. While Archer is employed by each function to achieve their own mandate, a unique opportunity exists to use Archer for further alignment or integration of various Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit on common elements for greater consistency and ease of use by the functions and the businesses.

As the Archer Platform Chair and Product Owner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategy based on a comprehensive understanding of market trends, technical breakthroughs, and client behaviour within and outside the industry. Working with RCIA and IT partners, you will set the overall vision and provide guidance and coaching to enable the team to bring that vision to life. Embracing Agile values, you will drive the teams to do the same, ensuring that each team within the operating model is aligned and moving in the right direction. Additionally, you will advocate for and collaborate with stakeholders across the enterprise to ensure that the Archer Platform receives the necessary inputs and support.

The role provides a unique opportunity to interact with senior level RCIA management and further enhance essential capabilities in RCIA.

What you'll be doing

• Scope out and establish the overall vision for the Journey or Archer Platform (“Platform”), creating and maintaining a robust roadmap to deliver on that vision
• Coordinate and run the governance of the RCIA Program and oversee the financial management of the Journey or Platform
• Build a clear centralized strategy for the Platform and pipeline of value-creating capabilities to drive continuous improvement for all three RCIA functions
• Define and measure key metrics to evaluate the success of Journeys and the Platform facilitating continuous measurable improvement
• Manage multiple, simultaneous priorities through developing project plans and monitoring/ reporting/ influencing traction to ensure implementation is completed on time and within budget
• Give Platform teams clear direction and guidance so they know what to do but allow them to decide how to do it to accomplish their mission
• Enable Platform teams to develop strategies and solutions that align with business outcomes, offering guidance along the way
• Coordinate and review business requirements, solicit feedback, and ensure the project meets the RCIA stakeholders’ needs
• Liaise with multiple teams and lead communications and relationships to facilitate smooth delivery
• Ensure consistency and quality in the customer experience (RCIA teams, IT teams, business users) across the Journey or Platform. Be accountable for prioritizing based on the needs of all teams in the Platform by understanding dependencies
• Make significant contributions to change management to help implement innovative solutions and drive toward achievement of common goals
• Serve as a thought leader and trusted business advisor to senior management and various stakeholders

Leading practices

• Support RCIA leaders on enhancing process efficiency, education and training, communication, and annual planning of Archer programs
• Oversee Platform system maintenance including upgrades, outages, and monitoring
• Work with the RCIA technical leads, Sun Life Technology teams and third parties to strengthen and implement change management protocols and practices
• Review Platform performance monitoring results periodically to recommend changes to tools, data and processes and assist with implementing the changes
• Own the role of point person to assist RCIA with cross-function day-to-day challenges in using the Platform
• Identify integration points and establish connections between Journeys, IT, or Business Platforms and the broader business

What you'll need to succeed

• Strong working knowledge of key GRC or IRM systems is a must, e.g., Archer, MetricStream, Refinitiv
• RCIA - Good understanding of Risk, Compliance or Internal Audit practices and standards, process design and regulatory requirements
• Extensive experience in digital and large-scale company transformations, with the managerial ability to lead and see initiatives through to fruition
• In-depth understanding of best-in-class digital experiences and knowledge, coupled with expertise in Agile methodologies and Design
• Assertive approach, capable of making decisions and driving outcomes along with the ability to build trust and rapport with stakeholders and team members Proven track record of setting business vision and strategy, and successfully bringing them to life
• Exceptional strategic and tactical thinking ability, combined with a strong business sense to challenge the status quo
• Capability to develop and articulate reliable plans, linking them to functional and business financial plans
• Strong communication, both verbally and in writing, skills
• Ability to influence and negotiate across the organization at all levels
• Excellent organizational skills, with a keen eye for planning and time management

Preferred Skills:

• Education, professional certification or designation in Risk, Compliance, or Audit with at least 8 years’ experience in the financial services industry
• Knowledge of data visualization principles and software (e.g., Tableau)
• Understanding of accessibility standards and guidelines, ensuring products and experiences are accessible to all users
• Energy, enthusiasm, commitment, courage and entrepreneurial excitement, coupled with a strong desire for ownership
• Ability to inspire individuals and teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Ability to set a clear and compelling vision (“the what”) for the Platform and support teams in figuring out the “how”
• Strong leadership skills to guide teams, negotiate and influence stakeholders and at the executive level
• Solid understanding of business principles and the ability to align strategies with desired outcomes

What's in it for you

• Competitive salary and bonus structure influenced by market range data

• 20 days vacation per year and an innovative sabbatical program

• Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the US

• Great Place to Work® award for Best Workplaces for #HybridWork

• Flex hours and Flexible hybrid work model including in-country work-from-home if you prefer. 

• A friendly, collaborative and inclusive culture

• Being part of our Product Owner community, where we share best practices and broaden skill-sets

• Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family

• Pension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial security

• Fitness and wellness programs that help you balance work and life and enjoy a healthier lifestyle

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.  

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.

We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you! Several work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, interview scheduling.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Salary Range:

110,000/110 000 - 180,000/180 000

Job Category:

Advanced Analytics

Posting End Date:

14/05/2026