Director, Client Acquisition and Engagement

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Client Acquisition and Engagement

🔹 Company: Sun Life

🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Business Development - Non Actuarial

🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site & Remote)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing Prospr’s core business growth strategy
• Generating new client acquisition opportunities and third-party products
• Evolving and growing the Direct-to-Client business
• Collaborating with stakeholders and partners across Sun Life Canada
• Thriving in a high-change environment and driving out-of-the-box ideas

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset and the ability to adapt to changes in the business environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supporting the creation and execution of the Prospr strategic roadmap

✅ Developing and delivering strategy communications in key forums

✅ Leading the Direct-to-Client solutions portfolio and driving performance

✅ Growing the sales and capabilities of the Direct-to-Client channel

✅ Facilitating strategy sessions and workshops with the Prospr team and partners

✅ Leading key strategic initiatives for Prospr top priorities and enterprise initiatives

✅ Evaluating internal processes to improve the client experience and reduce barriers

✅ Working with platform and technology delivery teams to implement new products and partnerships

✅ Analyzing and evaluating the economic viability of products for shelf management

✅ Developing concepts and pilots to test new solutions with clients

✅ Overseeing executive presentations and reporting for key recurring updates

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, business development, and project management responsibilities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 8+ years of relevant experience in strategic planning, business development, and business management

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in strategic planning and business development
• Strong knowledge of distribution, wealth, and/or insurance space
• Proven experience in client experience management in a D2C or B2B2C environment
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present to executive audiences
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Growth mindset and passion for challenging the status quo

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on technical products or technology platforms
• Familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the financial services industry and a strong understanding of digital products will be well-suited for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 105,000 - 180,000 per year

Benefits:

• Stock Ownership Program
• Wellness programs supporting mental, physical, and financial health
• Incentive plans based on individual and company performance
• Sales incentive plans for sales-focused roles

Working Hours: Full-time, with a flexible work environment

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles in the Toronto area. Benefits may vary based on the employee's location and role.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Sun Life is a leading financial services organization dedicated to helping people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. They provide a wide range of insurance and investment products and services in key markets around the world.

Company Size: Sun Life has over 34,000 employees and 112,900 advisors worldwide, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for growth.

Founded: Sun Life was founded in 1871 and has since grown into a global financial services company.

Company Description:

• Sun Life is committed to increasing financial security, fostering healthier lives, and advancing sustainable investing through its Sustainability Plan
• The company offers a range of products and services, including life insurance, health insurance, retirement solutions, and asset management
• Sun Life has a strong focus on employee well-being, with wellness programs and initiatives to support mental, physical, and financial health

Company Specialties:

• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Retirement Solutions
• Asset Management
• Group Benefits

Company Website: http://www.sunlife.com

ASSUMPTION: Sun Life's large size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the AVP, Strategy, Business Growth

Reporting Structure: The Director, Client Acquisition and Engagement will report to the AVP, Strategy, Business Growth and work closely with various stakeholders and partners across Sun Life Canada

Work Arrangement: This role is a hybrid position, with a combination of on-site and remote work

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance within the organization as Sun Life continues to grow and expand its offerings
• Opportunities to work on strategic initiatives and projects that drive business growth
• Chance to develop leadership and management skills by working with and leading cross-functional teams

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Sun Life's Toronto office is a modern, collaborative workspace with a mix of open-concept and private offices

Office Location(s): Sun Life Toronto One York, 1 York Street, Suite 1500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Geographic Context:

• Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant business community and a strong financial services industry
• The city offers a wide range of amenities, including cultural attractions, restaurants, and recreational facilities
• Toronto has a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible hours allow for a good work-life balance, while the modern office space fosters collaboration and innovation.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
• Final interview with the AVP, Strategy, Business Growth
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
li>Ability to work effectively with stakeholders and partners
• Growth mindset and adaptability

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with strategic planning, business development, and client experience management
• Research Sun Life's business and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals

ATS Keywords: Strategic planning, business development, client experience, hybrid work, Toronto, Sun Life, Prospr, financial services, insurance, wealth management

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit with Sun Life.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred, but not required, as training will be provided.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Client-centric
• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Inclusive
• Resilient

Work Style:

• Results-driven
• Adaptable
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Client-focused

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate Sun Life's commitment to being client-centric in your daily work?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
• How do you approach working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals?

ASSUMPTION: Sun Life values candidates who are aligned with their core values and can thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Working with diverse stakeholders and partners with varying agendas and priorities
• Adapting to changes in the business environment and strategic priorities
• Balancing the need for innovation and creativity with the requirement to deliver results and meet performance targets

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome by effective communication, strategic planning, and a growth mindset.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on generating new client acquisition opportunities and growing the Direct-to-Client business within Sun Life's Prospr channel
• Similar roles in the industry may focus on specific product lines or distribution channels, but this role offers a broader scope and strategic focus
• Career progression in this role could lead to senior leadership positions within Sun Life's business growth and strategy functions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to drive business growth and innovation within Sun Life's Prospr channel.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic roadmap for Prospr's growth, including market analysis, competitive landscaping, and product development
• Leading a cross-functional team to implement a new product or partnership on the Prospr platform, including process improvement, stakeholder management, and go-to-market planning
• Conducting a comprehensive review of the Direct-to-Client solutions portfolio and recommending strategic changes to improve performance and drive growth

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and innovative nature of the work required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current strategic priorities for Prospr and how this role will contribute to their achievement?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams and functions within Sun Life Canada, and what are the key stakeholder relationships?
• What are the most significant challenges facing Prospr in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Sun Life support the growth and development of its employees, and what opportunities are there for professional growth in this role?
• What is the work-life balance like for this role, and how does Sun Life support employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, and demonstrate your interest in and preparation for the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Sun Life careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, using the ATS keywords provided
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with strategic planning, business development, and client experience management
• Research Sun Life's business and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.