Full Job Description
This position is a new vacancy.
Reporting to the AVP, Distribution Governance & Oversight, as Senior Governance Manager, Distribution Governance & Oversight you will play a key role within the 1B team which is part of the First Line of Defence supporting the Sales Distribution function. You will be responsible for designing and executing governance and oversight frameworks that enable effective risk & compliance outcomes across distribution channels, including third-party partners such as MGAs.
Your responsibilities will be as follows:
- Lead governance and oversight activities across assigned distribution channels
- Design and maintain control frameworks, programs, SOPs, and governance routines
- Conduct risk assessments (operational, regulatory, compliance, third-party, and change risks)
- Execute controls testing, compliance reviews, and oversight programs
- Support internal and external audits and track remediation activities to completion
- Partner with Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Audit to ensure alignment
- Lead or contribute to governance initiatives, projects and strategic programs
- Provide structured reporting on risks, controls, and key outcomes
- Analyze trends and identify emerging risks, providing actionable insights
- Collaborate with business stakeholders to reinforce ownership of risk and controls
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance governance effectiveness
- Support learning initiatives and promote the Three Lines of Defence model
- Serve as a key advisor to Sales VPs & Managing Directors, providing strategic guidance on risk, controls, and improvements
- Develop and deliver compliant best-practice guidance and external-facing presentations to distributors, partners or industry stakeholders
- Stay current on regulatory developments, pro-actively translating into actionable guidance for the business
- Represent the organization externally, including industry forums, regulatory committees, or working groups (where applicable).
What we are looking for...
- Minimum 8 years of experience in financial services (insurance preferred)
- Experience in governance, risk management, compliance, or control oversight
- Experience with controls testing, compliance reviews, or audit support
- Strong understanding of Canadian regulatory requirements and risk frameworks
- Experience working within or alongside a Three Lines of Defence model
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to translate complex concepts into clear recommendations and strategic enablers
- Strong prioritization and execution discipline
- Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
- Experience with Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, SharePoint, MS Lists)
- Familiarity with workflow automation tools (e.g., Power Automate)
- Ability to leverage digital tools to improve workflow, reporting and governance
Additional qualifications considered an asset:
- Exposure to AI tools (e.g., Copilot)
- Experience with distributor or third-party models (e.g., MGAs)
- Knowledge of Canadian life insurance distribution practices
- Bilingualism (English/French)
- Industry certifications (LLQP, CFP, IFIC/IFSE, CRM, CAMS/CRCM)
What we pay...
$98,000 - $132,000
What's in it for you...
At ivari, it's important for us to keep our people motivated, recognized, and rewarded. We offer competitive base salaries plus a bonus, one of the many reasons ivari is a great place to work.
When you join the ivari team you also get...
- A fantastic vacation plan and time off
- A pension plan with 100% match by ivari
- Employee savings plan with 75% match to help you save even more
- Flexible and hybrid work arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development
- Recognition programs to cheer you on, motivate and reward
- Wellness programs to keep you healthy and happy
Who you are...
Someone who enjoys a culture where everyone is genuinely respectful, and you can be your authentic self every day. Your contributions and opinions are not only sought but valued. You know the importance of, and live by, our core values of...
- Bringing clarity and focus to your work
- Taking ownership and doing what you say you will
- Remaining flexible
- Collaborating with others
Does this sound like you? We're looking for great people to join our team!