Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.Aviva Canada is seeking a strategic and execution focused Senior Manager, Records Retention to lead our enterprise-wide data & records retention and destruction program. This role is a key leadership position within the Data and AI Governance team and is responsible for defining and delivering the strategy, roadmap, and execution of records retention across all data types—structured, unstructured, and physical records across systems, databases and drives, while collaborating with the Business Units and supporting teamsThe successful candidate will act as a program manager and a product owner, driving development, planning, execution and delivery of overall backlog, development of new pipelines, and key milestone delivery. This role requires strong planning and collaboration across business units, legal, privacy, compliance, risk, and Aviva Group, with a focus on regulatory compliance, risk mitigation and audit readiness.Does this sound like your next role? Read on!What you’ll do:Records Retention Frameworks, Standards, and ControlsOwn and evolve the Aviva Canada records retention framework, ensuring alignment with published standards and guidanceCollaborate with the data owners and data principles to ensure appropriate controls are in place to keep the records retention related risks within toleranceEnsure compliance with Canadian privacy regulations and work closely with the DPO, Data privacy office of Aviva CanadaMaintain documentation and detailed planning in the risk management tool, ensuring timely closure of remediation actions and issues. In addition, ensure processes across the business are compliant with requirements. the Risk and Control team will test the controls that DGO team performsDevelopment and Execution of RoadmapDefine and execute a 3-year strategic roadmap for records retention and destruction across Aviva Canada and identify how Aviva will deliver against the roadmap.Support the organization in adherence to regulatory, Aviva Group (standards, guidance, frameworks) and retention schedule requirements through transformation and Cloud migration programs.Develop comprehensive plans to address over-retained records across all data types including structured data, unstructured data and paper records and physical documents.Ensure end to end retention plans and roadmaps for over-retained record treatments for untreated source systems, databases, drives, SharePoint, etc.Plan for the build and manage development of new pipelines for retention and destruction, ensuring end-to-end ownership and execution.Product Ownership and DeliveryAct as the product owner for records retention as a program, managing a clear backlog and conducting weekly sprints.Drive execution of roadmap milestones with defined owners, targets and timelines.Lead cross-functional working groups and represent the program in Data Owner Forums and Data Council.Support the development and extension of retention solution to untreated source systemsReporting and StorytellingPrepare executive-level materials to communicate program progress, risks, and achievements.Develop compelling narratives to support decision-making and stakeholder engagement.Represent paper records team in risk reporting and ensure visibility in the risk management toolThird-Party Records Retention and AssessmentsOwn the end-to-end process for third-party records retention assessments, including TPISAs (Third Party Information Security Assessments) backlog.Maintain and manage the backlog for closure of the third-party elements relating to retention ensuring timely resolution and documentation in the risk management toolLead the execution of self-identified third-party issues, with a target for successful closureCollaborate with procurement, legal, privacy, IT, Aviva Global team and risk teams to ensure compliance with Aviva’s records retention standards.Ensure third-party data handling practices align with regulatory requirements and internal controls.Provide oversight and guidance on retention schedules and destruction protocols for third-party data sources.Additional ResponsibilitiesProvide oversight and management of risk related to Accidental Data Loss and ensure all controls are within thresholds and remediation plans are in place for any gaps.Lead the development, refresh and socialization of the Records Retention Schedule.Centralize the legal hold process and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirementsWhat you’ll bring:Minimum 10-15 years of experience in data and records retention being part of a data governance teamStrong program manager and product owner skills with over 8 years of experience driving programs end to end, preferably as a retention leadStrong understanding of regulatory frameworks including OSFI and AMF.Proven experience in managing structured and unstructured data retention programs.Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including direct management of reports. Demonstrated ability to coach and grow individual team members, foster a culture of accountability and excellence, and proactively remove execution barriers to ensure delivery of strategic objectives.Strong influencing skills across multiple levels of the organization, with a track record of driving alignment and engagement not only within the direct team but also across broader stakeholder groupsDemonstrated ability to drive remediation and ensure adherence to requirements through collaboration and influence, rather than direct authority. Skilled at aligning cross-functional teams and stakeholders around shared goals, resolving issues constructively, and fostering accountability in complex governance environments.Expertise in risk management, audit processes, and regulatory compliance.Experience with Risk management tools (such as IBM iCare) or similar governance/risk management tools.Excellent planning, organization, and execution skills.Strong communication and storytelling abilities.What you’ll get:Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.Outstanding Career Development opportunities.We’ll support your professional development education.Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per yearEmployee driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity and inclusionCorporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental healthHybrid flexible work modelPlease note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is an existing position which has been posted both internally & externally.Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.#LI-AI1 #LI-Hybrid
