Permanent Full Time
DIRECTOR, CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
The Corporate Development team plays a key role in helping Lifeco grow and create meaningful value, helping to deliver on our long-term strategy through inorganic actions (e.g., mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other partnerships). By working across Lifeco and its businesses, the team helps senior leaders and executives address some of Lifeco’s most critical strategic questions and deliver on inorganic opportunities.
Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Development, the Director, Corporate Development is a fundamental role at GWL. The Director will work to evolve the company’s corporate development function and will play a key role in strategic capital allocation decisions. They will be a thought leader and innovator, contributing to the shape the future direction of GWL. The Director will support a greater focus on inorganic strategic capital allocation decisions at GWL, developing an inventory of potential actionable inorganic activities, and assessing and executing on strategic transactions. They will work closely with a cohort of senior stakeholders across GWL and business units.
What you will do:
Strategic Transaction Analysis – Lead the evaluation of potential mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. Assess opportunities through the lens of strategic fit, financial impact, and alignment with the company’s long-term growth objectives in the insurance sector.
Financial Modelling & Valuation – Develop and oversee robust financial models incorporating industry-specific metrics
Presentation & Executive Communication – Prepare high-quality presentations and investment materials for executive leadership, board members, and external stakeholders. Clearly communicate complex financial and strategic insights to support informed decision-making.
M&A Process Management – Manage the end-to-end M&A process, including target identification, due diligence coordination, internal stakeholder alignment, and post-deal integration planning.
Market Screening & Trends Analysis – Continuously monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and competitive activity across the insurance, wealth and retirement landscape. Identify and assess new market opportunities and emerging threats to inform strategic planning.
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partner with business unit leaders, finance, legal, and external advisors to ensure alignment and execution of strategic initiatives. Act as a key liaison between corporate development and operational teams.
Stakeholder Engagement – Build and maintain relationships with investment banks, consultants, and potential partners. Represent the company in strategic discussions and industry forums to enhance visibility and deal flow.
What you will bring:
Strong business acumen, with demonstrated aptitude for financial, strategic, analytical and critical thinking
Demonstrated leadership, influencing, and relationship building skills
Experience teaming with business unit / operational leads to articulate and execute complex initiatives
Proven ability to ramp up quickly on new subjects
Excellent analytical skills, including financial analysis and research
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
Experience coaching and mentoring, especially in analytical, strategy and/or communications skills
Technical mastery of PowerPoint and Excel
Excellent analytical skills, including expert model builder
Well-developed business judgment
MBA / CFA / CPA are positive, but not required
5+ years relevant industry experience
Preference for prior investment banking and / or corporate development experience
Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in the following head office locations: Montreal, Toronto, London, Winnipeg. The base salary for this position is between $92,100- $170,500 annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation ( i.e. annual bonus, commission etc). If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.
Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Be your best at Great-West Lifeco and Canada Life - Apply today!
Great-West Lifeco Inc is a Canadian headquarter, international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses. We operate in Canada, the United States, and Europe under the brands: Canada Life, Empower and Irish Life.
At the end of 2023, our companies had over 33,500 employees, 232,000 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners – serving approximately 42 million customer relationships.
Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies.
Being a part of our organization means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.
You can be your best here. You are part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You’ll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.
We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential.
It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com.
We would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.
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