Initiative Lead, Business Operations

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

The Initiatives Lead plays a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives across Aviva Business Insurance. This individual will lead multiple projects from ideation through to implementation, ensuring alignment with the business's strategic roadmap. Success in this role requires agility, ownership, and a passion for delivering impactful results in a dynamic environment.

What You'll Do

• Lead Strategic Initiatives: Manage the end-to-end delivery of multiple initiatives, including defining scope, recommending solutions, and overseeing implementation.
• AI Integration: Exposure to AI technologies and their application in business process optimization, data-driven decision-making, or automation initiatives is strongly preferred.
• Project Oversight: Simultaneously manage initiatives of varying complexity and duration, ensuring timely execution and successful outcomes.
• Team Enablement: Support project teams by removing obstacles, facilitating decision-making, and ensuring alignment with deadlines and goals.
• Business Case Development: Assess the value, cost, and strategic fit of proposed changes, and present compelling business cases to stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with stakeholders across Underwriting, Pricing, Broker Distribution, Systems, and more to drive initiatives forward.
• Project Governance: Monitor project plans, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure initiatives are delivered on time and within scope.
• Change Adoption: Partner with Learning & Development, Communications, and Change Management teams to ensure successful rollout and adoption.
• Post-Implementation Review: Evaluate outcomes, measure benefits, and implement remediation plans where necessary.
• Process Optimization: Analyze existing processes, identify gaps, and lead business process improvement initiatives to enhance speed to market.
• Continuous Improvement: Design and implement ongoing improvement plans for established business processes.

What You'll Bring

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Marketing, or related field (Graduate degree preferred)
• Project Management and/or Agile certification
• Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) or Business Process Improvement certification preferred
• Experience in process discovery, modeling, gap/impact analysis, KPI review, and change management
• Familiarity with process mapping tools and capacity calculation frameworks
• Strong understanding of project and change management methodologies
• Experience translating strategic vision into actionable plans
• Knowledge of competitive analysis, product positioning, and development models
• Strong understanding of Aviva's internal systems and technology
• Insight into sales and underwriting processes
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders
• Strong coaching, prioritization, and performance management skills
• Ability to deliver compelling presentations and maintain stakeholder engagement
• Strategic, analytical thinker with sound judgment
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and managing competing priorities
• Self-starter with a proactive approach to problem-solving

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.
• 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
• Hybrid flexible work model

Why join us?

At Aviva, we're driven by purpose and powered by innovation. As Initiatives Lead, you'll play a key role in shaping strategic change within Commercial Insurance, working alongside collaborative teams in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment. We foster a culture of continuous improvement, inclusion, and growth—where your ideas are valued, your impact is visible, and your career can thrive.

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is an existing position which has been posted both internally & externally.

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.