Sun Life Financial

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.

Job Description:

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Internal candidates are not required to relocate near an office.

The opportunity: We’re seeking a senior operational risk leader to join our U.S. Risk team as the AVP, Operational Risk. This is a key senior leadership position where you’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. executives and senior business risk officers to shape risk strategy, influence decision-making and deliver value across the enterprise.

The AVP, Operational Risk will oversee the development and execution of operational risk frameworks, enhance control environments, and ensure alignment with enterprise risk appetite. Reporting to the VP, U.S. Shared Services, you’ll also oversee Sun Life’s U.S. business continuity management program and lead a team of risk professionals and trusted consultants, helping our business units stay resilient, responsive and audit-ready.

How you will contribute:

• Leading the on-going development and implementation of the overall Risk Management Framework including clearly defined processes and program requirements in line with Enterprise policies and operating guidelines.
• Utilizing the framework for risk identification, risk measurement and aggregation, risk assessment and reporting, and risk management and mitigation related to operational risks.
• Ensuring the effective functioning of the key operational risk tools and methodologies along with supporting educational and process documentation.
• Ensuring the effective functioning of business unit regulatory compliance management programs including regulatory change management, issue management, risk assessment, control development and 1st line control testing.
• Working closely with other Risk and Compliance professionals across the enterprise to improve processes and expand and enhance Sun Life’s risk management programs.
• Support the Risk CoE in developing a consolidated perspective across SL U.S. with respect to key operational risk considerations, including events, initiatives, control development and emerging issues.
• Support Corporate Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit to provide a holistic view of the operational risk profile across the organization.
• Support business continuity and incident management plan development and execution.
• Implement talent practices to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce and effective teams, establishing an environment characterized by high levels of employee engagement.

What you will bring with you:

• Ability to work with a diverse range of people
• Extensive knowledge of financial services products, services, distribution and operational models.
• Direct experience in implementation of risk management frameworks in large financial institutions in line with regulatory guidelines.
• Technical operational risk management training and knowledge.
• Degree or designation in Finance or related fields would be an asset.
• Experience leading teams in a matrix business environment.
• Experience in supporting a continuous improvement mindset focused on the client.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of data analytics to identify and manage risk.
• Ability to create and implement long-term plans to carry out functional or cross-functional objectives established by senior management.
• Understanding of products and practices within Sun Life U.S. is an asset.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Effective change management, through relationship building and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead teams through ambiguous situations and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to identify and leverage cross-business unit risk mitigation solutions.

Salary:

$160,900-$257,400

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

Not ready to apply yet but want to stay in touch? Join our talent community to stay connected until the time is right for you!

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive. We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate. We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program. Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth. We’re proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer. Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we’ve also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Job Category:

Risk Management

Posting End Date:

27/07/2025