Director IT Risk

Director IT Risk & Compliance Location: Hybrid, Toronto or Kingston Empire Life is looking to hire a Director IT Risk & Compliance to join our Information Technology team This role plays a critical part in supporting IT's ownership and management of risks, governance, regulation and compliance inherent within the IT's domain. The incumbent will support the design of and take ownership in implementing and maintaining robust internal controls to ensure a compliant and well-governed operating environment. This role will lead the management of risks inherent within the business unit's activities, working closely within the business unit to ensure policies owned by the business unit are appropriate, compliant and auditable. In collaboration with key departments, including Risk Management, Corporate Compliance, Audit Services, and Legal, this role will also ensure IT's adherence to internal risk management policies and practices and external regulatory requirements, while promoting efficient, streamlined processes that drive operational excellence. The position operates within a matrix reporting structure, directly reporting to the SVP, IT and CTO while maintaining functional accountability through a dotted-line relationship with the Chief Risk Officer and a dotted-line relationship with the Chief Compliance Officer as required for the BUCO role and/or other duties as appropriate. Why pursue this opportunity The role - this is a new position and your chance to join a growing team, while being provided the opportunity to make an impact. Assume a pivotal leadership position - harness your expertise to deliver impactful results, shaping and leading your area with experienced foresight. Influence and innovate at the highest level - we welcome leaders who bring a dynamic blend of fresh perspectives and leading practices to steer our strategic course. What you'll be working on Risk Management Identifies IT risks, ensuring appropriate controls and monitoring mechanisms are in place. Identifies emerging risks and works within IT to qualify the exposure of the emerging risks and their potential impact on the business. Collaborates with Risk Management to develop reporting to assist the division in executing on expectations of the Company's Enterprise Risk Management Framework including the maintenance of various inventories and/or other databases. Participates in Committees for various initiatives to identify operational risk & recommend appropriate controls and mitigation activities. Participates in the company wide project to identify risk from third party providers and create appropriate documentation, administration, reporting, and regulatory complaint practices. Participates in all corporate cyber risk programs providing input and ensuring compliance processes are communicated within IT. Regulatory Compliance Supports the business unit in achieving and maintaining a compliant operating environment including acting as the Business Unit Compliance Officer (BUCO) for IT Stays abreast of regulatory changes impacting IT, ensuring the company adheres to relevant laws and regulations Supports the response to inquiries from regulatory agencies Participates in regulatory consultations and provides guidance and support to other staff on divisional regulatory and compliance matters. Prepares and/or provides information required for regulatory reports Consistent with internal guidelines that respond to regulatory requirements, ensures that IT establishes and maintains effective mechanisms to identify, verify, and mitigate compliance risks, including the completion of annual RCM testing Governance and Operations Collaborates with internal and company-wide stakeholders to review and enhance divisionally or functionally owned policies and governance practices, ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements In conjunction with the oversight functions, understand the impact of legislative, regulatory and compliance changes on current procedures, processes and administrative systems/tools; provide summary and actionable recommendations to IT management. Ensures IT practices align with company-wide policies through ongoing monitoring and policy review, including tracking and reporting Leads IT's Business Continuity Management efforts, ensuring alignment with corporate commitments and coordinating related activities Audit Coordination and Controls Coordinates IT responses to internal and external audits, keeping management informed of audit progress and outcomes Collaborates with Internal Audit to evaluate internal controls, identifying and implementing opportunities for improvement including addressing any findings Collaborates with Internal Audit to coordinate overall audit activity, scope, planning and timing with IT Evaluates and improves divisional/functional procedures as required General Participate in relevant Committees and functions as necessary Leads (or be accountable for) investigations into privacy breaches and incidents within IT, and supports broader investigations in alignment with Corporate Compliance, and completes and submits all required privacy reporting, with Corporate Compliance, Legal and other departments Accountable for the maintenance of and annual review of control documents in the Ethidex Compliance software, including an inherent risk assessment for each control objective. What we're looking for you to have Knowledge of insurance regulations and compliance requirements, with the ability to adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes Demonstrated experience in internal audit, risk management, or compliance is strongly preferred Bachelor's degree in relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience Knowledge of policy creation and management principles Strong and broad knowledge of risk and compliance related systems, processes and methodologies used cross-organizationally and any specific to the business unit/function Experience implementing change management initiatives in alignment with strategic goals Analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. If you are applying for a position which is open to applicants across Canada, unless otherwise indicated in the position, language proficiency in English is required for communicating with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada. Beyond the salary For regular full-time positions, Empire Life offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes: Competitive salaries with annual pay increases Annual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions, for non sales positions Competitive uncapped commission, for sales positions A comprehensive employer-funded benefits package starting from day one of employment, that includes life insurance, disability, health and dental and a generous health account Flexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days. Four weeks annual vacation from hire date A defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matching Top up programs for parental leave and compassionate leave Employer-sponsored wellness and recognition programs A cash employee referral program To learn more about working at Empire Life, visit . Get to know us Empire life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and welcome everyone to participate in our application process. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't believe you meet each unique qualification outlined. Applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. Empire Life welcomes applications from people with disabilities and disabled people. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the screening and selection process. If you need this job posting in an alternative format or have any accessibility questions, please contact recruitment@empire.ca .