Aviva

Vice President, People Function Operations

Aviva • $130K — $180K *
Markham, ON L3R 0G6In-Person
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • University Degree or equivalent; HR professional designation (e.g. CHRP) preferred
  • 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience focusing on Operations
  • Proven experience in leading HR systems and compliance processes
  • Demonstrated success in managing complex strategies within global organizations
  • Strong coaching and consulting skills with executive relationship management
  • Financial acumen including budgeting and cost optimization
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities
  • Ability to navigate complex governance and regulatory environments

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement Canadian HR strategies in alignment with corporate goals
  • Participate in developing global reward strategies across Aviva markets
  • Lead budgeting, team performance tracking, and process improvements
  • Represent Aviva to auditors and external stakeholders within the HR community
  • Stay informed on employment law and market trends, ensuring best practices
  • Lead the People Change Centre of Expertise for organizational transformations
  • Oversee the Employee Relations Centre of Expertise, enhancing case management methods
  • Manage disability support programs, ensuring empathetic and compliant processes
  • Collaborate with global teams on HR systems aligning with local requirements
  • Ensure payroll accuracy and adherence to financial controls
  • Deliver people data and analytics for informed decision-making
  • Oversee risk management and vendor performance compliance
  • Lead privacy and data governance to meet regulatory standards

Benefits

  • Compelling rewards package including base salary and annual bonus
  • Hybrid flexible work model
  • Outstanding career development opportunities
  • Support for professional development education
  • Competitive vacation package with options for additional days off
  • Employee-driven diversity and inclusion programs
  • Corporate wellness initiatives for physical and mental health support
Full Job Description
The Opportunity

As Vice President, People Function Operations, you are responsible for setting the strategic direction, governance, and delivery of core people operations across Aviva Canada. Your scope includes oversight of employee relations, HR policy, disability management, change management, payroll, HR systems, and people data and analytics. You ensure the delivery of efficient, compliant, and employee-centric practices that support over 5,000 employees, while aligning operations with both local and global business priorities and regulatory requirements. You focus on building scalable, fit-for-purpose processes that enhance both employee experience and operational effectiveness. As a member of both the Canadian HR Leadership Team and the Global People Operations Leadership Team, you contribute to shaping HR strategy and advancing HR capabilities to support the business today and into the future.

What you’ll do
  • As a member of the market HR Leadership team, participate in developing and implementing Canadian strategies to deliver on the corporate strategy.
  • As a member of the Global Operations Leadership Team, participates in developing and implementing global reward strategies and align practices across Aviva markets as appropriate.
  • Lead budgeting, team performance, engagement, and process improvements; drive training and major projects beyond team scope.
  • Represent Aviva to auditors, and external stakeholders and maintain strong visibility in the HR community.
  • Stay current on employment law, market trends, and innovations; embed best practices and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Lead the People Change Centre of Expertise, supporting enterprise-wide transformation initiatives and organizational change programs
  • Lead and develop the Employee Relations Centre of Expertise, building capability in case management, coaching, and workplace risk resolution partnering with internal legal counsel and group investigations where applicable
  • Oversee disability management programs, ensuring compliant, empathetic, and timely support for employees
  • Partner with global teams to align with UK system roadmaps, ensuring Workday and ServiceNow solutions meet local legislative requirements; maintain and optimize integrations with key vendors (e.g., Sun Life, RE&A, Benevity, Fieldglass, ADP)
  • Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including tax remittances, reconciliations, and adherence to financial control frameworks
  • Lead the delivery of high-quality people data, reporting, and analytics, enabling informed business and workforce decisions
  • Oversee risk management, internal controls, and vendor performance, ensuring compliance with SLAs and contractual obligations
  • Serve as the People Function lead for privacy and data governance, ensuring compliance with all applicable data protection regulations

What you’ll bring
  • University Degree or equivalent; HR professional designation (e.g.  CHRP) preferred  
  • 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience with a focus on Operations, including employee relations, data and insights and HR Systems.
  • Proven experience leading HR systems, processes, communications and legislation
  • Proven experience leading large, complex strategies in a global or multi-market organization with strong understanding of Canadian employment law and compliance requirements.
  • Excellent coaching and consulting skills, including a successful record of building personal credibility and managing relationships with key executive decision-makers.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost optimization.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to navigate complex governance and regulatory environments.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on innovation.


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. 
• Hybrid flexible work model.
• 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. 

This job advertisement is for an existing vacancy which has been posted both internally & externally.

About Aviva

Natural health retailer and resource. Aviva promotes a holistic approach to your health and well-being through proper nutrition and a healthy, natural lifestyle. Aviva operates a retail store in Winnipeg, MB Canada and serves customers across Canada and around the world through www.avivahealth.com. Everything for healthy living.

Aviva Careers

Joining Aviva presents a prime opportunity to be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and diversity in the workplace. Aviva, a leading insurance and financial services company, offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests, making it an ideal place for career growth and development.

Explore Job Opportunities

Aviva is actively hiring and continuously seeks passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Search open positions that match individual skills and interests in areas ranging from finance to technology. Each position at Aviva offers the chance to work with a global team that drives industry-leading solutions.

Experience Professional Growth

Aviva is committed to the professional growth of its employees. The company offers unmatched training, development, and certification support, allowing every team member to reach their full potential. Leadership and diversity training are integral parts of Aviva's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

Internship Programs

Start a career at Aviva with an internship that offers real-world experience and networking opportunities. Aviva's internships provide a robust platform for learning and applying practical skills in a dynamic setting, preparing interns for full-time positions within the company.

Benefits and Culture

Aviva is renowned for its employee benefits and positive company culture. The company prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of its team, offering comprehensive benefits that enhance both personal and professional life. Aviva's culture is built on a foundation of respect for diversity and an ongoing commitment to inclusion.

Innovation and Networking

At Aviva, innovation is at the core of all operations. Employees are encouraged to lead transformation projects and introduce new strategies that drive growth and efficiency. Networking within Aviva provides connections to industry leaders and peers who are equally eager to share insights and collaborate on projects.

Career Advancement

Aviva believes in nurturing talent and providing employees with opportunities for advancement. Whether through promotions, cross-departmental moves, or leadership roles, team members have numerous paths to elevate their careers.

Join the Aviva Team

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Prepare a resume, practice for the interview, and explore the exciting employment and career opportunities at Aviva. Personalize job alerts to stay informed about the latest news and positions that align with career preferences and skills.

Stay Connected with Aviva Careers

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the professionals who are part of Aviva. Explore what it means to work at a company where innovation, leadership, and diversity are valued above all.

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Learn more about Aviva
Size
28,596 employees
Industry
Finance & Insurance
NASDAQ
AVVIY
* Ladders Estimates

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