Data Analyst, Rewards & Recognition

Job Description

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The Data Analyst – Reward & Recognition focuses on Rewards, Recognition, and Field Performance Analytics within Sun Life’s Distribution organization. This role sits at the intersection of data modeling, forecasting, reporting automation, and executive decision support, with a strong emphasis on advisor and field leader incentive programs.

The Data Analyst not only produces analyses but also designs and owns analytical frameworks that shape how Recognition programs are structured, forecasted, and governed.

The Data Analyst is responsible for designing, forecasting, and automating advisor and field leader recognition programs, translating complex business rules into scalable analytical frameworks and executive-ready insights.

What you will do:

1. Recognition Program Modeling & Qualification Logic

Design, maintain, and evolve qualification models for major Recognition programs. This includes:

• Defining and applying multi-track qualification frameworks using sales data
• Translating business rules into auditable, repeatable calculation logic
• Presenting modeling insights and program proposals to the Recognition team and senior leadership to support program design and approvals

2. Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

Lead forecasting exercises to project future-year qualifiers and program

sizing, typically using:

• Rolling 12‑month production windows
• Growth assumptions provided by Finance and Recognition teams
• Sensitivity analysis on thresholds to manage prestige and budget constraints

3. Reporting, Dashboards & Analytics Enablement

Build and maintain Tableau dashboards and analytical views used by leadership and field teams, including:

• Program status dashboards (on-track vs. qualified)
• District, advisor, and manager performance views
• Qualifier visibility reporting
• Developing and maintaining datasets and reporting tables by acquiring data from multiple sources to support scalable reporting
• Analyzing and modeling data to deliver interactive visualizations and insights that inform strategic decisions and drive field performance

4. Automation & Process Modernization

• Standardizing recurring campaign and recognition processes
• Documenting end-to-end workflows
• Proposing automation using Tableau, Power Query, and Power Automate
• Updating and extending Excel VBA macros for annual programs, quarterly campaigns, and ad hoc incentives, ensuring data quality and on-time delivery
• Partnering with internal programming teams to implement and test enhancements that automate Recognition program reporting
• Building scripts and repeatable routines that make data evaluation more flexible and scalable across datasets

5. Data Stewardship & Quality Assurance

The Data Analyst is regularly involved in:

• Investigating discrepancies in production, points, and qualifier counts
• Reconciling differences across Jumbo files, dashboards, and official reports
• Advising when data limitations make certain analyses unreliable
• Ensuring business and technical requirements are documented, maintained, and reflected in reporting specifications
• Supporting data warehousing and reporting partners in identifying, clarifying, and revising reporting requirements
• Completing monthly, quarterly, and annual program status reporting and post-program performance analysis
• Participating in regular Recognition team meetings and providing data and insights to support decisions and planning

What you need to succeed:

• Minimum 3 years' experience in data analytics and business intelligence, including predictive analytics and data modeling.
• Degree in business administration, finance, economics, computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or equivalent is required.
• Experience building and maintaining Excel Macros, VBA programs, Tableau as a creator.
• Experience using data analysis tools such as Microsoft SQL server, Python, or similar.
• Expert knowledge in the Microsoft suite of products (Excel, Word etc.) with proven experience with VBA, as well as advanced Excel functions
• Proficient in data investigation and compilation with multiple data sources
• Technical aptitude: ability to learn new tools and software quickly and understand technical concepts
• Builds context by pushing beyond "how things are done" to understand "why" and uncover the underlying principles shaping the business
• Ability to extract, manipulate and simplify data through a variety of tools and techniques
• Process improvement skills with a demonstrated ability to produce meaningful results from data

Preferred skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to explain business concepts to IT partners, and technical concepts to business partners
• Attention to detail and in-depth planning, organizational and time management skills
• Positive attitude to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and quickly find alternative solutions to challenges
• Flexibility: Ability to accept change, and adapt well to ambiguous situations
• Highly motivated individual who can execute independently with minimal direction
• Strong analysis, investigative and problem-solving skills
• Innovative thinker; able to identify and champion proposals for approval

What’s in it for you:

• We’re honored to be recognized as a 2026 Best Workplaces in Canada by Great Place to Work® Canada.
• Wellness programs that support the three pillars of your health – mental, physical, and financial
• The opportunity to move along a variety of career paths with amazing networking potential.
• As a hybrid organization, you and your leader use business and Client needs to choose where you work, at home or in the office