Manager Communications and Learning Strategy

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager Communications and Learning Strategy

🔹 Company: The Canada Life Assurance Company

🔹 Location: London, Toronto, Winnipeg

🔹 Job Type: Permanent Full Time

🔹 Category: Insurance

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-09

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing communication and learning strategies for Risk and Compliance
• Building strong relationships with leadership and senior business partners
• Analyzing business processes to improve efficiencies
• Driving change initiatives aligned with organizational strategies
• Leading the creation of in-house materials for employee development and education

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Provide strategic direction and oversee the development of high-quality communications and learning plans and responses to issues that will advance risk and compliance strategies and goals.

✅ Working with the leadership team and senior level business partners building strong relationships to maximize the value of those relationships.

✅ Perform strategic analysis of existing business processes looking for strengths, weaknesses and opportunities to improve efficiencies.

✅ Ability to effectively drive and manage change initiatives that align with organizational strategies and/or provide opportunities to increase efficiency.

✅ Leadership and coordination around the creation of in-house materials and resources for employee development and education for Risk and Compliance training.

✅ Collaborate with HR L&D team to build best in class solutions to support increased Compliance awareness within the organization

✅ Document and maintain strategies, policies and procedures related to communications and training

✅ Commitment to learning and staying informed about current and emerging communications and training trends and best practices, including new and emerging strategies and technologies.

✅ Well versed in the instructional design process and adult learning methodologies.

✅ Communicate recommendations in a direct, structured way to senior management and other executive stakeholders.

✅ Collaborate on compliance solutions with communications and training roles in the organization through knowledge sharing, effective problem solving and innovation.

✅ Capable of applying learning best practices to technology tools that create remarkable content for the end user.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, stakeholder management, and hands-on project execution.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Post-secondary education preferred

Experience: Minimum of 6 years experience in a similar role

Required Skills:

• Strong relationship management, partnering and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities, demonstrate agility, and change direction at short notice
• Forward thinking with awareness of emerging regulatory compliance trends/themes and being strategic with deliverables
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Be detailed, focused, and concise

Preferred Skills:

• Adult Education Degree or equivalent

ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of the role, candidates should have a proven track record in communications and learning strategy development.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The base salary for this position is between CAD $76,400 - $141,400 annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation.

Benefits:

• Not specified in the job description

Working Hours: Full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is for the base salary only and does not include additional compensation components. Benefits information is not provided in the job description.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Canada Life Assurance Company operates in the insurance industry, providing a range of financial and benefit plan solutions for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.

Company Size: With over 10,000 employees, Canada Life offers a large and diverse work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Canada Life was founded in 1847 and has since grown to become one of Canada's leading insurers.

Company Description:

• Canada Life is committed to improving the financial, physical, and mental well-being of Canadians
• The company offers a range of insurance and wealth management services
• Canada Life is a subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco Inc. and a member of the Power Corporation group of companies

Company Specialties:

• Insurance and Wealth Management

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

ASSUMPTION: Canada Life's extensive experience and size provide a stable and established work environment with a strong focus on customer service and community involvement.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the manager level, requiring strategic planning, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Reporting Structure: The Manager Communications and Learning Strategy reports directly to the AVP, Strategy and Operations.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with the flexibility to work from London, Toronto, or Winnipeg.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a more senior role within the Strategy and Operations team or related departments
• Opportunities to expand skills and knowledge in risk management, compliance, and strategic communications

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a large and established organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Canada Life's offices in London, Toronto, and Winnipeg offer modern and collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): London, Toronto, Winnipeg

Geographic Context:

• London, Ontario: A mid-sized city with a mix of urban and rural environments
• Toronto, Ontario: Canada's largest city, offering a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities
• Winnipeg, Manitoba: A vibrant city with a rich cultural scene and a lower cost of living compared to larger urban centers

Work Schedule: Full-time with a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for flexibility in work hours and location.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and multiple office locations provide candidates with the flexibility to balance work and personal life.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the AVP, Strategy and Operations

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change
• Knowledge of risk management, compliance, and strategic communications

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and communication style
• Research Canada Life's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit for the organization

ATS Keywords: Strategic Direction, Relationship Management, Change Management, Instructional Design, Adult Learning Methodologies, Communication Skills, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Efficiency Improvement, Compliance Awareness, Leadership, Documentation, Trend Awareness, Agility, Innovation, Technology Tools

ASSUMPTION: Canada Life's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit for the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Learning Management Systems (e.g., SAP Litmos, Cornerstone OnDemand)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the department and team's needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centric
• Collaborative
• Inclusive
• Accountable
• Innovative

Work Style:

• Strategic and forward-thinking
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you stay informed about emerging regulatory compliance trends and themes?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you drove a change initiative aligned with organizational strategies?
• How do you prioritize and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with Canada Life's values and work style, as well as their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing competing priorities and balancing multiple projects
• Keeping up with emerging regulatory compliance trends and themes
• Adapting to change and driving strategic initiatives
• Working effectively in a hybrid work environment

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and strategic thinking.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to related roles, this position places a stronger emphasis on strategic planning and change management
• Industry-specific context: The insurance industry is highly regulated, requiring a strong understanding of compliance and risk management
• Career path comparison: This role can lead to senior positions within the Strategy and Operations team or related departments

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their interest in strategic planning, change management, and the insurance industry when evaluating this role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive communication and learning strategy for a new risk management initiative
• Collaborating with HR L&D to create engaging and effective compliance training materials
• Leading a team to analyze and improve business processes to enhance efficiency and compliance

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and hands-on aspects of the role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role contribute to the overall strategy and goals of the Risk and Compliance department?
• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Strategy and Operations team?
• How does Canada Life support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Canada Life foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement?

ASSUMPTION: These questions help candidates better understand the role's context, team dynamics, and growth opportunities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and communication style
• Research Canada Life's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit for the organization
• Follow up with the recruiter one week after submitting your application to inquire about your application status

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