Director, Client Relationships, Defined Benefit Solutions

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

Sun Life’s Defined Benefit Solutions (DBS) business develops and implements innovative de-risking solutions for defined benefit pension plans. The Director, Client Relationships supports this growing business and reports to the Assistant Vice-President, Client Relationships. The role has one direct report.

The Director, Client Relationships, DBS supports client-facing aspects of the business related to market segmentation, prospecting, business development, sales and client relationship management in the Canadian pension risk transfer market (PRT).

This role is part of a team of eight professionals and leverages the collaboration and skills of an extended team of Sun Life professionals in order to achieve DBS’ objectives.

What will you do?

Strategic planning

• Support the strategic direction for DBS, including the staging of its strategy in Canada and in other geographies
• Collect and analyze information about the de-risking landscape in Canada, including the factors driving de-risking, the solutions being used, the level of market activity and new product innovation
• Participate in competitive analysis of other companies offering Canadian de-risking solutions

Market segmentation and prospecting

• Support the implementation of a market segmentation strategy for Canada
• Participate in creating a strong sales funnel by developing and nurturing relationships with plan sponsors and consultants, educating them on DBS products and working with them to implement DBS solutions
• Participate in creation and execution of an entertainment plan

Sales

• For the Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) market, partner with the DBS Structuring team to help achieve DBS’ annual sales and VNB targets
• Negotiate with plan sponsors and consultants on contract terms and pricing

Marketing

• Collaborate with the DBS marketing team to coordinate and connect prospecting activities with marketing activities
• Contribute to creation of thought leadership pieces, presentation content, material for speaking opportunities, ads and press releases.
• Attend external events and participate in speaking engagements. Help distribute thought leadership pieces to prospects and consultants

Leadership

• Interact and collaborate with an extended team of Sun Life professionals in legal, operations, ALM, portfolio management, investments, SLC Management, actuarial, product design and sales to achieve DBS’ objectives
• Help attract, develop and retain a high performing team as well as create a pipeline of talent

What do you need to succeed?

• 5 or more years of actuarial experience working with defined benefit pension plans
• Undergraduate degree in actuarial science, mathematics or statistics
• FCIA designation is a strong asset
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex situations
• Exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) with the ability to explain complex ideas to non-actuaries
• Strong project management skills with a proven commitment to quality and meeting deadlines
• Excellent people management skills in order to nurture and grow relationships with various stakeholders
• Bilingualism (French, English, both oral and written) is required for the frequent interactions with English and French-speaking colleagues or internal partners across Canada or worldwide

What's in it for you?

• A collaborative and inclusive culture
• An environment of continuous learning and improvement
• Our unique Sabbatical Program gives you the opportunity to take up to 6 weeks off, every five years
• Anchored to our Purpose, our Sustainability Plan has three pillars which represent the areas where we have the greatest opportunity to drive positive impact in society: increasing financial security, fostering healthier lives, and advancing sustainable investing
• In 2024, Sun Life ranked among the top 100 most sustainable global corporations by Corporate Knights for the 15th consecutive year, leading Canadian insurers
• We are proud to be on the 2024 Best Workplaces in Canada list by Great Place to Work
• We’re also listed as one of the Best Workplaces for Women and Best Workplaces with Most Trusted Executive Teams

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process or those needing job postings in an alternative format may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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