Job Description

Permanent Full Time

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We are looking for a Data Governance Specialist to support and advance enterprise data governance practices at Canada Life. This role plays a key part in ensuring that data is governed, protected, and accessible, while enabling the business to confidently use data as a strategic asset.

As part of the Enterprise Data Governance team, you will work closely with business and technology stakeholders to operationalize governance practices across data access, data usage, retention & disposition, privacy, and metadata management. This is a hands‑on role with growing ownership, where you will contribute to both execution and continuous improvement of governance capabilities.

What you will do

• Support and contribute to the development, maintenance, and evolution of data governance policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures, particularly across data access, usage, retention, and privacy.
• Execute and promote data governance adoption across the enterprise, partnering with business units, data stewards, and technology teams.
• Support and enforce data retention and disposition practices, ensuring compliance with Quebec Law 25 and enterprise policies.
• Contribute to the design and monitoring of data access, data usage, data retention controls, ensuring appropriate handling of sensitive and regulated data.
• Support data cataloging and metadata management activities, ensuring data assets are properly documented, classified, and discoverable.
• Work with stakeholders to maintain and enhance data catalog tools (e.g., Informatica, Collibra, Microsoft Purview), including business glossary, lineage, and metadata enrichment.
• Support privacy and data protection practices, including data classification, handling standards, and de-identification where required.
• Participate in defining requirements and onboarding use cases for the Connected Data Platform, enabling access to trusted data.
• Identify, analyze, and support remediation of data governance risks, issues, and gaps, particularly related to access, usage, and lifecycle.
• Provide guidance and hands-on support to stakeholders, translating governance requirements into clear, actionable practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, data governance processes, and stakeholder adoption.

What you will bring

• 3-6 years of experience in data governance, data management, or a related discipline.
• Strong working knowledge of core data governance domains, including:
• Data access and data usage
• Data retention and disposition
• Data privacy and protection
• Metadata management and data cataloging
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks, such as Quebec Law 25, PIPEDA, OSFI B-13 and OSFI E-21.
• Hands‑on experience with data catalog tools such as Informatica, Collibra, or Microsoft Purview.
• Experience supporting metadata management, including business glossary, lineage, and data classification.
• Familiarity with handling sensitive data (PII / Protected data) and related governance controls.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both business and technical stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Reliability Status Security Clearance – this can only be completed with candidates who receive an offer of employment. This is a personal security status that is required as a condition of employment before an employee can gain access to Protected B information, assets or work sites as outlined by the Government of Canada website. The cost of submitting these checks will be covered by Canada Life.

What will set you apart

• Experience in financial services or insurance.
• Exposure to data lifecycle management frameworks (retention schedules, disposition controls).
• Experience supporting privacy, compliance, or risk programs.
• Data governance certification (e.g., CDMP, DGSP).

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The base salary for this position is between $80,400 - $130,400 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.

Grow with Canada Life

We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.

We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you!

What we offer

We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member:

• Career Development Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.

• Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.

• Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day. 

• Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.

• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
• Emphasis on Community We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.

Learn more about Canada Life

We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.

Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted

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