Recognition Modernization Manager

Job Description

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This is an 18 months contract position

This role is focused on modernization and transformation of Sun Life’ Recognition & Rewards ecosystem. It is accountable for leading future‑state design, modernization, systems readiness, and implementation to enable simpler programs, stronger governance, scalable processes, modern backend reporting systems, and steady state operation of recognition programs.

The scope of this position is intentionally forward‑looking and transformation‑oriented, with emphasis on design, enablement, and long‑term sustainability of recognition practices. The role operates in close partnership with existing recognition operations and stakeholders while concentrating on the design, enablement, implementation, and operation of the target‑state model within a 12–18 month horizon.

This role requires a highly resilient leader who is comfortable navigating ambiguity, change, and competing priorities while influencing across teams and levels.

What will you do?

1. Recognition Program Modernization

• Lead the redesign and evolution of advisor and field leader recognition practices to improve simplicity, clarity, scalability, and consistency.
• Identify legacy program structures, policies, and processes that create operational burden, risk, or poor customer experience, and design future‑state alternatives.
• Partner with Sales leadership to align recognition models with evolving business strategy and advisor segmentation.
• Develop clear program frameworks, design principles, and decision criteria to support long‑term sustainability.

2. Systems & Reporting Transformation Leadership

• Act as the business lead for recognition readiness related to backend reporting and systems transformation.
• Define future‑state business requirements, data definitions, and controls for recognition programs in partnership with Analytics, IT, Finance, and Risk.
• Translate recognition logic (qualification rules, calculations, and eligibility) into system‑ready, testable requirements.
• Ensure strong governance, reconciliations, and documentation are established to support system migration and reporting integrity.

3. Process, Governance & Control Design

• Design future‑state governance models, process controls, and documentation standards to ensure audit readiness and regulatory compliance.
• Establish repeatable intake, prioritization, and decision‑making frameworks for recognition initiatives.
• Develop playbooks, reference materials, and operating artifacts that enable consistent application of future‑state recognition practices.

4. Change & Stakeholder Leadership

• Lead change management efforts related to recognition modernization and systems enablement.
• Engage and influence leaders, partners, and subject‑matter experts across Distribution, Analytics, Finance, Risk, Compliance, and IT.
• Communicate clearly on timelines, dependencies, trade‑offs, and risks associated with modernization initiatives.

5. Capability Building & Knowledge Enablement

• Build internal capability through documentation, standards, and knowledge transfer related to modernized recognition practices.
• Reduce reliance on undocumented legacy knowledge by creating clear, accessible future‑state artifacts.
• Support alignment across teams by clarifying principles, rules, and design intent for recognition programs.

What do you need to succeed?

• Direct involvement in business‑led systems, reporting, or data transformation initiatives.
• Experience operating in environments with legacy processes, technical debt, or complex stakeholder dependencies.
• Exceptional resilience, composure, and ownership in ambiguous and evolving environments.
• Strong program design, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to influence without direct authority across complex stakeholder groups.
• Comfort navigating competing priorities, imperfect information, and evolving business needs.
• Strong customer and leader orientation balanced with governance discipline.
• 6+ years in recognition, incentives, compensation, sales programs, or adjacent business operations.

What will be nice to have:

• Recognition and incentive program design principles.
• Data, reporting, controls, and audit readiness concepts.
• Advanced Excel and strong documentation / process design skills.
• Experience translating business rules into clear system requirements.
• University degree in Business, Finance, Economics, HR, or a related field.

What’s in it for you?

• We’re proud to be a Best Workplace for Hybrid Work by Great Place to Work® Canada
• Be part of our continuous improvement journey in developing the next greatest digital enterprise experience that is united by our Purpose: to help Clients and Employees achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.
• Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Pension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial security.