Director, Group Retirement & Savings

First Canadian is a national organization experiencing unprecedented growth. We aim to hire bright, hard‑working individuals who are committed to learning, career growth, and opportunity. We pride ourselves in being an organization that our employees support long‑term and celebrate their success by asking for feedback so that we continue to be a Great Place to Work. The Director, Group Retirement & Savings reports to the Head of Group Benefits. The position is based out of LeMarchand Mansion in downtown Edmonton. This role leads the design of a new business line, oversees product development, selects technology providers, establishes strategic partnerships, creates distribution channels, and ensures full regulatory and licensing compliance. The Director drives the strategy and execution necessary to deliver innovative retirement and savings solutions while building a scalable, compliant, and customer‑focused operation. Benefits

Off work 1 hour early on Fridays Earned Time‑Off Program and vacation Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match On‑site gym Educational assistance and career development Employee benefits Health and Wellness spending account Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee discount programs A Culture Team dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and employee programs Employee recognition and appreciation events Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Define and execute the strategic roadmap for the Group Retirement & Savings business line. Design the operating model, product strategy, and go‑to‑market framework for sustainable growth. Lead the launch of a new retirement and savings platform leveraging strategic partners and third‑party technology providers. Provide guidance on regulatory changes, retirement market trends, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities. Product Development & Technology Implementation

Lead the design, development, and launch of innovative group retirement and savings products. Establish the long‑term technology ecosystem for retirement products, ensuring scalability, security, and seamless integration with Group Benefits infrastructure. Oversee the selection and implementation of enabling technology platforms (administration, reporting, client interfaces). Lead vendor and partner evaluation processes, including RFP development and management for group retirement savings platforms and technology partners. Partnerships & Vendor Management

Establish relationships and lead negotiations and contractual arrangements with key partners including recordkeepers, custodians, asset managers, and technology vendors. Develop strong governance frameworks to manage service providers and ensure accountability. Drive continuous improvement in partner performance and alignment with corporate objectives. Operations & Distribution

Build and lead a high‑performing operations team to support administration, reporting, and customer service. Ensure strong collaboration and operational alignment between Group Retirement & Savings and existing Group Benefits operations. Establish operational workflows, service models, and performance metrics to support efficient and scalable growth. Collaborate with sales and marketing to position offerings effectively in the marketplace. Establish distribution channels, including advisor networks, brokers, and institutional partners. Regulatory & Compliance

Ensure all products, operations, and distribution models comply with applicable regulations and licensing requirements. Develop internal policies and risk management frameworks that align with industry best practices and regulatory standards. Serve as the key liaison with regulators and industry bodies on matters related to retirement and savings compliance. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field (strong asset). MBA or advanced designation (strong asset). Professional designation(s) such as CFA, CFP, CEBS, or equivalent (asset). 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in financial services, with a strong background in group retirement and savings or investment products. Proven experience in product development, operations build‑out, and regulatory compliance. Strong knowledge of Canadian regulatory environment governing group retirement and savings plans. Reside within the local Edmonton Area; full‑time in‑office requirement. Intermediate to advanced skill with Microsoft Office (Word/Excel). Fluent in English with proven competencies in verbal and written communication. Fluent in French with proven competencies in verbal and written communication (asset). Proven ability in people management and change management to drive a high‑performing culture (required/asset). Successful completion of a credit check, criminal background check, education verification, license and certification verification, and employment reference checks required before employment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. Accommodations are available upon request.

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