City : Toronto

Category : Full-time

Industry : Finance

Employer : Sun Life Financial

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Director, Recognition and Events, the Manager, Performance Incentives is responsible for leading, managing, coaching and developing a team of rewards and recognition specialists. This role manages the development and execution of SLFD’s sales incentive programs  for advisors and field leaders, which are integral to the culture of the sales force.

Working with business partners, field leaders, advisors, external vendors and suppliers, the Manager leads a small team of specialists to manage the sales incentive program design, analytics, reporting and administration of programs that drives advisors and field leader performances.

With a deep knowledge of the latest compensation, loyalty, and incentive design strategies, they will manage the development of the sales incentive strategy, ensuring that programs influence behaviours that support SLFD’s overall corporate mandate. 

This leader is responsible for the planning, delivery, analysis of recognition programs, be the resource for field sales partners in resolving escalated cases, be the expert on the processes that the team is accountable for, the team trainer and oversee and ensure that all processes and policies are in compliance with industry regulations and internal policies. 

Accountability Overview

• Leads and develops a small team in the program design, planning, management, implementation and analysis of SLFD’s reward and recognition programs, sales incentive programs.
• Accountable for the conceptualization, planning and delivery of rewards and recognition programs, focusing on driving business impact and positive participant experiences or interactions
• Incorporates innovative ways to drive performance of financial advisors and field leaders through a robust portfolio of rewards and recognition programs
• Ensures exceptional performance of operations, strategy, execution and effectiveness of all programs
• Manages and ensure adherence to a detailed reporting schedule and milestone check-points
• Ensures that all processes and policies are in compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.  
• In collaboration with partners, support the design, creation  and implementation of engagement strategies for all rewards and recognition programs
• Ensures adherence to company policies and industry regulations
• Oversee budget management, approval, and forecasting processes for rewards and programs; identify opportunities for savings
• Monitors and improves processes with the aim of making them as efficient as possible
• Ensures accurate documentation and process controls so that all records are audit-ready
• Manages the National Incentive Registry, ensuring compliance with regulations and internal controls
• Oversees the prize redemption, fulfillment, reconciliation, and taxable benefits reporting of all programs
• Proactively engage stakeholders and participants with a change management strategy and plan 
• Work to define and deliver on expected service levels and business performance goals

Effectiveness and Efficiency of Programs

• Accountable for continual process improvement across all programs
• Manages escalations and present recommendations to management for high level/complex requests
• Manages process improvements and ensure engagement of key stakeholders as part of the change management process

Data, Reporting and Analytics

• Works cross-functionally with SLFD Analytics, Marketing Reports and other business partners for the development, maintenance, accuracy, and timely reporting of performance metrics for SLFD recognition programs
• Working with data analytics, forecast, model and analyze data to drive decisions, insights and recommendations
• Audits and analyses data to ensure the accuracy of the reporting, managing investigations and escalations as appropriate
• Ensure the accurate and timely reporting for all programs

Project, Program Development and Quality / Knowledge Management:

• Manages the administration and delivery of all sales incentive programs for advisors and managers within SLFD.
• Identifies opportunities and supports appropriate solutions for program recommendations as it relates to end-to-end management and execution for multiple recognition programs and campaigns
• Drives engagement with field leaders as the recognition subject matter expert.  Understand the impact of the project to the team and what processes will need to change or identify new processes that will need to be implemented
• Working with the Director, Recognition and Events to ensure the alignment of recognition programs and processes as it relates to the overall goals of SLFD
• Develops and communicates policies as required
• Approves program adjustments and escalates as required

Leadership and lateral collaboration

• Ability to build strong business relationships in order to effectively and efficiently manage program deliverables
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and analytical skills
• Strong presentation, facilitation, and coaching skills
• Very strong knowledge of industry-related practices and terminology
• Experience managing and designing compensation, rewards and recognition and comp programs for internal and external sales
• Innovative problem-solving abilities
• Effective in coping with change and ambiguity, not afraid to challenge the status quo or try new things
• Demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy, respect for business protocol 
• Ability to develop new processes, communication plans, documentation, and presentations
• Self-motivated with ability to work in a team environment with internal and external partners
• A knack to drive continuous improvement
• Proficient knowledge of tax legislation applicable to rewards and incentives
• Experience in Financial services industry in a similar function
• Provides training, coaching and mentoring to the rest of the team to develop their competencies and position them for success
• Skillfully negotiates with all levels of partners, both internal and external to Sun Life to build/maintain strong relationships in what are often difficult discussions

Education, licensing & accreditation

• University degree in business administration, finance, economics, compensation or similar is required.
• Minimum of 6 years of related industry experience in a similar role
• Minimum of 2 years managing a small team of direct reports
• Working knowledge of Sun Life Financial Distribution model and/or financial services
• Experience with forecasting, modelling and analysis to gather insights to drive strategic direction of sales incentive programs
• Experience dealing with advisors and field leaders
• Knowledge of the advisors’ commission structure and agreements
• Fluent in English and French (strong asset)

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted.  It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors.  In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance.  Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results. 

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process or those needing job postings in an alternative format may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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