At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and portfolio management to drive business transformation and measurable value.
- Company: Join Canada Life, a trusted company improving the well-being of Canadians.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, career development, and community involvement opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth and support for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by aligning initiatives with strategic priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in strategic planning or related fields; strong analytical and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90400 - 140400 £ per year.
As Canada Life continues to modernize and transform Operations, the Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management Manager plays a critical role in ensuring strategic investments, transformation initiatives, and operational priorities are aligned to business objectives and deliver measurable value. This role leads the annual planning cycle for Canada Operations and Business Enablement (COBE), provides oversight of the Operations portfolio, and drives governance, financial transparency, and benefits realization across the Operations Modernization program. Working closely with Operations, Business Enablement, and Finance leaders, the Operations Performance Manager provides a holistic view of priorities, investments, and performance to support informed decision-making and effective execution. The role combines strategic planning, portfolio management, financial analysis, and business performance management to help Operations achieve its transformation and business goals.
What you will do:
- Lead the annual planning cycle for Canada Operations and Business Enablement, ensuring investments and initiatives are aligned to strategic priorities.
- Manage the Operations Modernization program, ensuring initiatives remain focused on delivering measurable business value and benefits realization.
- Maintain an integrated view of the Operations portfolio, providing leaders with visibility into priorities, dependencies, risks, resource requirements, and outcomes.
- Partner with Finance and business leaders to manage initiative budgets, forecasts, expenses, and cost allocations, ensuring transparency and effective financial stewardship.
- Lead the development of program-level business cases and ensure initiatives have clearly defined objectives, benefits, costs, assumptions, and success measures.
- Support financial analysis and business case development for strategic investments, including ROI assessments, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
- Develop executive-level reporting, dashboards, and presentations that provide clear insight into portfolio performance, financial results, and strategic progress.
- Support monthly, quarterly, and annual business reviews by consolidating operational, financial, and portfolio performance information.
- Monitor portfolio performance and benefits realization, identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities to improve outcomes.
- Facilitate collaboration across Operations, Business Enablement, Finance, Technology, and business teams to drive alignment and informed decision-making.
- Translate complex information from multiple sources into meaningful insights and actionable recommendations for leaders.
- Ensure program and portfolio activities remain aligned to business strategies, operational priorities, and organizational goals.
- Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, governance practices, reporting capabilities, and portfolio management effectiveness.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on planning, performance, and strategic initiatives.
- Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, continuous improvement, and results-driven execution.
What you will bring:
- 10+ years of experience in strategic planning, portfolio management, business performance, finance, operations, program management, or business transformation.
- Post-secondary education in Business, Finance, Commerce, Economics, Operations Management, or a related discipline; MBA, CPA, PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma designations are assets.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, business case development, investment analysis, and benefits realization.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and identify practical solutions.
- Proven ability to connect disparate information and develop a holistic view of organizational performance, priorities, and opportunities.
- Strategic mindset combined with strong execution skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups and leadership levels.
- Excellent relationship-building skills and a track record of establishing trusted partnerships.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience preparing executive-ready materials and recommendations.
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience supporting complex transformation, modernization, or operational improvement initiatives.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 applications.
- A collaborative leadership style with the confidence to challenge constructively and drive positive outcomes.
The base salary for this position is between $90,400 - $140,400 annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation (i.e. annual bonus, commission etc). If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.
We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country. We’re looking for people who live our values every day: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you!
What we offer:
- Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
- Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.
- Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
- Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.
- Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
- Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.
We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.
Manager, Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management in London employer: Canada Life
Canada Life UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a modern and agile work environment in vibrant locations like Bristol, London, and Watford. With a strong focus on building better futures, the company fosters a welcoming culture and provides ample opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management in London
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Canada Life.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
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We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Canada Life.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Canada Life. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canada Life
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Canada Life, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Canada Life, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Canada Life could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Canada Life as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
