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Program Manager Strategic Initiatives Jobs in Ontario

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Program Manager Strategic Initiatives information

What is a program manager strategic initiatives?

A Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives is a professional responsible for overseeing and driving key projects that align with an organization's long-term goals. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and ensure resources are used efficiently to achieve strategic priorities. This role often involves assessing risks, communicating with stakeholders, and measuring the impact of initiatives. Program Managers for Strategic Initiatives play a crucial part in helping organizations adapt, grow, and stay competitive.

How does a program manager strategic initiatives typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

Program Managers for Strategic Initiatives often serve as the central point of coordination among various departments, such as product, marketing, finance, and operations. They facilitate regular meetings, set clear objectives, and ensure that each team understands how their contributions align with broader organizational goals. Effective communication and stakeholder management are crucial, as these managers must align diverse perspectives and resolve conflicts swiftly. By fostering collaboration and transparency, they help teams stay focused and adaptable to changing priorities throughout the project's lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program manager strategic initiatives, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Manager Strategic Initiatives, you need strong project management, strategic planning, and analytical skills, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana), data analysis tools, and certifications like PMP are typically expected. Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for aligning cross-functional teams, driving major initiatives, and ensuring organizational goals are met efficiently.

What is the difference between Program Manager Strategic Initiatives vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram Manager Strategic InitiativesProject Manager
Primary FocusOversees multiple related projects to achieve strategic goalsManages individual projects to meet specific objectives
ScopeBroader, aligned with organizational strategyMore focused on specific deliverables
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, stakeholder coordination, program alignmentProject planning, execution, and delivery
CredentialsTypically PMP or PgMP, strategic experiencePMP or CAPM, project management experience

While both roles require strong project management skills, Program Managers Strategic Initiatives focus on aligning multiple projects with strategic goals, whereas Project Managers concentrate on executing individual projects efficiently.

What are popular job titles related to Program Manager Strategic Initiatives jobs in Ontario?

For Program Manager Strategic Initiatives jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Strategic Initiatives jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Strategic Initiatives jobs in Ontario are:

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Program Manager Strategic Initiatives jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Program Manager Strategic Initiatives job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Strategic Initiatives job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

CA$110K - CA$135K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Permanent Full Time 

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The Manager, Strategic Initiatives plays a key role in driving key initiatives for the Health Products team, which is responsible for the direction, delivery and management of Canada Life's health and wellbeing products and policies.   

This role delivers against strategic priorities, ensures alignment with broader business unit and enterprise strategies, and supports strategic coordination across other teams at Canada Life. Reporting to the Director, Health Product Strategy, the Manager will drive insightled strategy development and execution across a range of initiatives.

What will you do?

Business strategy

  • Identify and evaluate new market, product, and growth opportunities across the Health business.
  • Develop and position highpotential concepts and initiatives, creating business cases that articulate financial value, customer impact, and strategic fit.
  • Determine impact of regulatory shifts to our customers and our business and propose options and recommendations.  Provide thought leadership on industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging innovation.

Stakeholder management/communication

  • Partner with the Health Products leadership team to define strategic initiatives and priorities.
  • Lead earlystage discussions with crossfunctional partners to obtain alignment, support, and resourcing.
  • Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders.

Project management

  • Independently build structured project plans with clear deliverables, timelines, and governance.
  • Drive accountability across working groups, coordinating activities and managing risks, issues, and dependencies.
  • Prepare highquality project materials, documentation, and status updates.

Strategic initiative execution

  • Lead a portfolio of simultaneous strategic initiatives from concept to completion.
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with exceptional quality.
  • Translate strategy into actionable recommendations and implementation steps that drive measurable impact.

What do you need to succeed?

  • Progressive experience in management consulting / strategy at a large corporation; financial services or healthcare experience preferred - in areas such as group life & health, life insurance, banking, wealth & asset management, or benefits & pensions
  • Industry experience: Experience related to health products, digital transformation, or the group benefits industry is considered a strong asset.
  • Strong business acumen - demonstrated aptitude for strategic, analytical, and critical thinking to drive key strategic initiatives and P&L growth
  • Leadership & communication - Ability to influence and develop strong stakeholder relationships; excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Solution-oriented execution: Experience delivering initiatives to successful completion
  • Ownership mentality & a positive attitude - bring a 'can-do' mindset; ask questions that elevate the team's thinking; take full initiative and end-to-end ownership over your work
  • Excellent research & analytical skills - including financial analysis and modeling
  • Technical skills: Expert in Microsoft PowerPoint, strong in Excel, OneNote, etc.
  • Education: Undergraduate degree in Business or Health, MBA considered an asset

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The base salary for this position is between $110,200 - $135,200 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 additionalinvestment 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 Lifewould like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. 

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