Vice President, People Function Operations

Experience Aviva

Together, we are Aviva. Our values — Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence — guide how we show up for each other and for our customers. Individually, they’re words. Together, they define who we are.

At Aviva Canada, we put people first, our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most. 

The Opportunity

As Vice President, People Function Operations, you are responsible for setting the strategic direction, governance, and delivery of core people operations across Aviva Canada. Your scope includes oversight of employee relations, HR policy, disability management, change management, payroll, HR systems, and people data and analytics. You ensure the delivery of efficient, compliant, and employee-centric practices that support over 5,000 employees, while aligning operations with both local and global business priorities and regulatory requirements. You focus on building scalable, fit-for-purpose processes that enhance both employee experience and operational effectiveness. As a member of both the Canadian HR Leadership Team and the Global People Operations Leadership Team, you contribute to shaping HR strategy and advancing HR capabilities 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 Operations Leadership Team, participates in developing and implementing global reward strategies and align practices across Aviva markets as appropriate.

• Lead budgeting, team performance, engagement, and process improvements; drive training and major projects beyond team scope.

• Represent Aviva to auditors, and external stakeholders 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.

• Lead the People Change Centre of Expertise, supporting enterprise-wide transformation initiatives and organizational change programs

• Lead and develop the Employee Relations Centre of Expertise, building capability in case management, coaching, and workplace risk resolution partnering with internal legal counsel and group investigations where applicable

• Oversee disability management programs, ensuring compliant, empathetic, and timely support for employees

• Partner with global teams to align with UK system roadmaps, ensuring Workday and ServiceNow solutions meet local legislative requirements; maintain and optimize integrations with key vendors (e.g., Sun Life, RE&A, Benevity, Fieldglass, ADP)

• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including tax remittances, reconciliations, and adherence to financial control frameworks

• Lead the delivery of high-quality people data, reporting, and analytics, enabling informed business and workforce decisions

• Oversee risk management, internal controls, and vendor performance, ensuring compliance with SLAs and contractual obligations

• Serve as the People Function lead for privacy and data governance, ensuring compliance with all applicable data protection regulations

What you’ll bring

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

• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience with a focus on Operations, including employee relations, data and insights and HR Systems.

• Proven experience leading HR systems, processes, communications and legislation

• Proven experience leading large, complex strategies in a global or multi-market organization with strong understanding of Canadian employment law 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. 

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.