Director, Data & Intelligence

About the Role

The Director, Data & Intelligence will serve as GHFOC's intelligence architect, building and leading the data, analytics, BI, and AI capabilities needed to help GHFOC grow faster than the market. This role owns the full data value chain, from consolidating and governing the GHFOC data estate to advancing the AI and machine learning program that will improve pricing, retention, and service for employer groups and plan members.

This is a hybrid role based out of our Surrey, BC office, working 3 days in office and 2 days from home.

What to Expect in Your First 3 Months

First 30 Days:

• Meet individually with each Data & Intelligence team member to assess capability against the four-pillar role design and present a 30-day people plan to the CIO.
• Meet with the Chief Actuary and CFO to clarify their data needs, identify the top gaps affecting their work, and outline a plan to close them.

First 60 Days:

• Assess the current data estate and remaining Excel-based flows to identify integration gaps and critical platform risks. Identify and prioritize GHFOC's top three AI use cases, each with a business case, feasibility assessment, and build timeline.
• Launch all Priority 1-4 hiring searches with approved scorecards and active sourcing strategies.
• Build a full understanding of the transformation program and establish a working relationship with the Chief Transformation Officer.

First 90 Days:

• Develop and present a 12-month Data & Intelligence roadmap covering platform investment priorities, analytics program delivery, AI use cases, BI product milestones, team build-out, and alignment to GHFOC's five strategic pillars.

What You'll Do

Data & Intelligence Strategy

• Own the 12-month Data & Intelligence strategy and rolling roadmap, aligning to GHFOC's five strategic pillars and the CIO's IT agenda
• Set quarterly priorities across the four pillars, including what to build, buy, retire, and sequence
• Monitor the Canadian group benefits data and intelligence landscape to identify competitive threats and opportunities

Data Platform & Source System Consolidation

• Own the strategy to consolidate, integrate, validate, and govern data from GHFOC source systems and remaining Excel-based workflows
• Ensure the data platform becomes the organization's trusted source for analysis and reporting
• Partner with source system owners to resolve data quality issues and reduce correction work at the platform layer
• Set the Azure data platform direction, including Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, dbt, and the migration path from legacy infrastructure

Actuarial Data Support

• Deliver the data infrastructure, integrations, and quality frameworks that enable the Actuarial Analytics team to produce timely, reliable experience studies and insurer partner reporting

AI Program Ownership

• Own the AI and machine learning program from strategy through production, including use case selection, build prioritization, and value measurement
• Partner with the Chief Actuary and Underwriting on AI applications for pricing, reserving, and risk stratification
• Ensure AI models are explainable, auditable, and aligned with emerging Bill C-27/AIDA requirements
• Build and manage the Microsoft relationship for Azure AI and OpenAI capabilities relevant to GHFOC use cases

Employer Analytics Portal - Strategic Product Ownership

• Partner with the Director, Digital Products & Experience to co-own the employer analytics portal as a strategic product
• Define the portal's data and analytics requirements, including what plan sponsors see, understand, and do after logging in
• Monitor adoption across 7,000+ employer group clients and use usage data to shape the improvement roadmap

Financial Innovation & Competitive Intelligence

• Use GHFOC's data estate to identify new ways to price, renew, and quote business while balancing returns and competitiveness
• Identify market gaps and opportunities where GHFOC can create profitable new products or services
• Translate analysis into clear decisions so insights are actionable and accepted by leadership

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, develop, and manage the Data & Intelligence team across the four pillars
• Set clear quarterly and annual objectives for each pillar, aligned to the Data & Intelligence strategy
• Manage the Data & Intelligence hiring program, including eight Phase 1 hires sequenced by priority
• Develop each pillar lead toward their next level of leadership and capability

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, or a related quantitative field; a master's degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in data, analytics, and data leadership, including at least three years at the Director, Head of Data, or equivalent level leading multidisciplinary data teams. Must have built or significantly scaled a data and analytics function, not only managed an established team.
• Experience in group benefits, insurance, health insurance, or Canadian financial services is strongly preferred. Experience partnering with actuarial teams and delivering data that supports their analysis is a significant advantage. Familiarity with group benefits source systems, such as WEBS, MPACS, or equivalent platforms, is an asset.
• Practical experience leading AI or machine learning programs. Must be able to evaluate AI talent and capabilities, explain use case trade-offs, and apply responsible AI governance. Deep hands-on data science expertise is not required, but the candidate must be credible as an AI program leader.
• Strong fluency with Azure data platforms, including Microsoft Fabric, Data Factory, and Azure ML; Power BI and Power BI Embedded; dbt; SQL; and working-level Python. Must have enough technical depth to challenge architecture decisions and assess senior engineering and AI candidates credibly.
• Preferred certifications include Microsoft Azure Data Engineer (DP-203), Azure AI Engineer (AI-102), or equivalent credentials. Actuarial qualifications or partial designation are an asset but not required.

Critical Competencies

You will succeed in this role if you are:

• A People Leader - You coach through conflict, hold teams accountable, influence without authority, and build a culture of ownership and resilience
• A Strategic Planner - You develop strategic plans, own budget decisions, and lead executive-level financial conversations
• A Strong Communicator - You simplify complex topics, present with authority to internal and external audiences, and build strong senior relationships
• A Human-Centric Thinker - You lead with empathy and emotional intelligence, solve root-cause problems, and build an inclusive team culture
• An Innovator - You drive structured learning plans, represent GHFOC externally as a thought leader, and create measurable organizational improvement
• A Financial Owner - You own comprehensive budgets, identify cost-reduction opportunities, and clearly articulate financial impact at the steering committee level

Compensation

At the time of this posting, the estimated annual base salary for this position is $185,000-$195,000. Individual compensation within this range is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, and education/training. This range reflects the annual base salary only and does not encompass the comprehensive total rewards package that we proudly offer.

Why Join Us

• Beyond salary, we offer generous paid time off, extended health and dental benefits, RRSP matching, and flexible work options
• Wellness support, including comprehensive mental health resources, to prioritize your well-being both in and out of the workplace
• A supportive culture, with opportunities to grow, and where our team members feel valued and empowered to thrive.

Accommodation and Inclusion

GroupHEALTH is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you need accommodation during any stage of the hiring process, please let us know! We're here to help.

If you're ready to do meaningful work and grow your career with GroupHEALTH, we'd love to hear from you. Click Apply to submit your application.