Title:  Internal Control Framework Workstream Lead

9 Month Fixed Term Contract

Canada Life UK looks after the retirement, investment and protection needs of individuals, families and companies. We help to build better futures for our customers, our intermediaries and our employees by operating as a modern, agile and welcoming organisation.

Part of our parent company Great-West Lifeco, Canada Life UK has operated in the United Kingdom since 1903. We have hundreds of respected and supported employees committed to doing the right thing for our customers and colleagues.

Canada Life UK is transforming to create a more customer-focused business by providing our customers with expertise on financial and tax planning, offering home finance and annuities propositions, and providing collective fund solutions to third party customers.

Job Purpose

The COO function of Canada Life UK is a key part of the business, providing Customer Services, IT and Change, Operations, Data & Insight. The Internal Control Framework Workstream Lead will be responsible for overseeing and managing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the internal control framework activity within the organization. The role holder will be responsible for clarifying the internal control operating policy requirements on the business control environment and its operational effectiveness. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of regulatory requirements, risk management, and control processes. The successful candidate will work closely with various departments to ensure that the internal control framework is robust, effective, and aligned with the organization's objectives.

Key Responsibilities 

• Framework gap analysis and implementation - implementation of the internal control framework improvements to meet the requirements of the policy.
• Ensure an effective change management and governance process is in place for Business Process managment
• Ensure there are documented processes in place, operating effectively, which identify and report at the appropriate level any control weaknesses or control failings. Where gaps are identified, ensure remediation actions are in place to resolve.
• Risk & control assessment and management – conducting regular risk and control assessments to identify and evaluate potential risks to the organization.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to address identified risks.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of risk management activities.
• Establish monitoring mechanisms to ensure ongoing compliance with the internal control framework and suitable reporting is in place to senior management and the boards across the organisation
• Develop and deliver training programs across the organisation to engage colleagues on the internal control framework, ensuring effective communication and a culture of compliance and risk awareness within Canada Life.
• Work with Risk & Compliance and Internal Audit colleagues as the 2nd and 3rd lines of defence (Compliance and Internal audit) in the execution of their roles in relation to Internal audit reviews and Compliance monitoring

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Strong influencing skills, with experience of engaging with Boards and senior management in order to get desired outcome
• Good interpersonal/networking skills, with the ability to maintain a variety of relationships with multiple stakeholders
• Strong communication skills, demonstrating a clear and articulate standard of written and verbal communication in a complex environment, tailored for all levels of management including Board level. 
• Significant experience in the life insurance industry, including management positions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of enterprise risk management and the relevant regulations, including the technical aspects relating to the quantification and analysis of a wide range of risks
• Significant experience of embedding and maintaining an enterprise risk management framework
• Experience of first line of defence risk oversight activities
• Strong skills and experience of managing and motivating a team from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and with varying levels of experience
• Proven track record at delivering reporting requirements under time pressure with attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, well-organised, pragmatic and able to perform tasks independently

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. A master's degree or professional 
  certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA) is preferred.
• Experience in internal controls, risk management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing internal control frameworks.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.

Benefits of working at Canada Life

We believe in recognising and rewarding our people, so we offer a competitive salary and benefits package that’s regularly reviewed. As a Canada Life UK colleague, you’ll receive a competitive salary and comprehensive reward package including a generous pension and bonus scheme, along with, income protection, private medical insurance and life assurance.  We have a fantastic number of other benefits and support services as well as regular personal and professional development.

How we work at Canada Life

Our culture is unique and incredibly important to us.  We care about doing the right thing for our people, customers and community and helping others to build better futures.  Our blueprint behaviours shape and influence how we work, and are central to the relationships we have with others.  Every day we are encouraged to be more curious, own the outcome, face into things together and find a way forward. 

We want colleagues to have rewarding careers with us so we invest in the development of our people, technology and workplaces. That’s why we offer a range of training, flexible working and opportunities to grow and develop.

Diversity and inclusion

Building an inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce where everyone can feel they belong and achieve their potential regardless of gender, ethnicity or any other characteristic is a key commitment for us.  We are proud of the progress we’re making in DEI, and we continue for it to be a significant focus. 

“At Canada Life we believe in the power of great people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives coming together to build better futures. Emerging talent is crucial to our growth and creating an environment that continues to inspire us all.”  Nick Harding, Chief People Officer, Canada Life UK

We appreciate that everyone has different work and life responsibilities. We’re happy to discuss flexible working arrangements, including part time, for any of our roles should this be a requirement for you.