Vice President, Artificial Intelligence

Permanent Full Time 

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Canada Life is on a mission to transform how technology powers our business and enhances the lives of millions of Canadians. Artificial Intelligence is at the center of this transformation. As Vice President of AI, you will lead the creation of a centralized AI function, shaping the future of intelligent solutions across our enterprise. This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up—driving innovation, influencing strategy, and delivering measurable impact in a highly respected, 175-year-old organization.

What You Will Do

• Lead Enterprise AI Strategy: Establish a centralized AI Hub-and-Spoke model, setting standards, governance, and platforms that enable safe, scalable AI adoption across the organization.
• Deliver Business Impact: Direct AI investments toward three core pillars—Productivity (internal automation), Experience Enhancement (internal/external), and Growth Initiatives (marketing, sales, product lifecycle).
• Build and Scale a High-Performing Team: Hire, mentor, and lead a cross-geography team of AI Engineers, Data Scientists, and Data Engineers.
• Act as Global Connector: Align AI strategies across Great-West Lifeco affiliates in the US, UK, Ireland, and Germany to ensure global consistency and leverage shared capabilities.
• Executive Advocacy: Serve as the enterprise voice for AI, translating technical complexity into clear, compelling business narratives for senior leadership and the CEO.

What You Will Bring

• Proven Leadership in AI Engineering: Experience building and scaling technical teams in matrixed environments, with hands-on expertise in AI technologies (LLMs, RAG, agentic frameworks).
• Hybrid Ecosystem Expertise: Success architecting AI solutions in complex environments integrating cloud (AWS/Azure) with on-premise systems and legacy mainframes.
• Strategic Influence & Technical Depth: Ability to move seamlessly between architectural discussions with engineers and strategic presentations with executives.
• Cross-Industry Perspective: Diverse experience beyond financial services, bringing fresh ideas and operational efficiency insights.
• Adaptability in ambiguous environments.
• A "Marathon Mindset" for driving long-term transformation in a regulated, historic institution.
• Diplomatic and collaborative approach to stakeholder alignment.
• Resilience and accountability with a startup mentality inside a corporate structure.

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Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Be your best at Canada Life- Apply today

Being a part of Canada Life means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.

You can be your best here. You're part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You'll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.

Together, as part of a great team, you'll deliver on our shared purpose to improve the well-being of Canadians. It's our driving force. Become part of a strong and successful company that's trusted by millions of Canadians to do the right thing.

Canada Life serves the financial security needs of more than 13 million people across Canada, with additional operations in Europe and the United States. As members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies, we're one of Canada's leading insurers with interests in life insurance, health insurance, investment and retirement savings. We offer a broad portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions for individuals, families, businesses and organizations. 

We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential. 

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact

Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

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