Director, Risk Officer, Life and Health Insurance

At Desjardins, risk management is essential to delivering on our strategy and achieving sustainable business growth. As Director, Risk Officer, Life and Health Insurance, you act as a trusted strategic partner to the sector’s executives and leaders. You help integrate an independent perspective of the second line of defence into the organization’s most important decisions, while promoting sound, informed risk-taking that aligns with business objectives. Reporting to the Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer of Desjardins Financial Security, you play a key role in supporting business sectors, monitoring non-financial risks and advancing risk management practices at one of Canada’s largest life and health insurance providers. You’re closely involved with issues related to growth, transformations, acquisitions and strategic initiatives in the life and health insurance sector. Your ability to influence and create strong partnerships, combined with your in-depth understanding of the sector’s activities, priorities and risks, are essential in this role. This allows you to contribute to advancing and raising the profile of risk management by fostering collaboration, innovation and the development of expertise across the organization. More specifically, you will be required to:

• Support the Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer in their interactions with the various governance bodies. 
• Ensure the development of the non-financial risk appetite framework for the sector and maintain the relevance of monitoring indicators to support proactive decision-making 
• Promote an integrated view of risks to help identify links between strategic, financial, operational and regulatory issues 
• Provide independent, integrated oversight of the sector’s risk profile, including significant and emerging risks, the development of exposures, the effectiveness of mitigation measures, action plan monitoring and alignment with the risk appetite
• Support business teams in identifying, assessing and managing risks, while conducting an effective challenge of key issues and taking action when significant gaps or governance concerns emerge 
• Participate in risk analyses for acquisitions, partnerships, major projects and organizational transformations 
• Act as the central link for the sector’s second-line activities, coordinating risk experts’ contributions and making sure analyses, positions and recommendations remain consistent
• Conduct effective challenges for risks associated with new products, growth initiatives and major changes that affect the activities of the life and health insurance sector
• Represent the risk management function in relevant decision-making committees and governance forums 
• Help develop and optimize the sector’s risk governance by preparing risk-related communications and disclosures, among other things 
• Consolidate risk information and tailor it for an executive audience, providing leadership and decision-making bodies with a clear view of the risk posture, the second line’s level of comfort and any decisions or actions required
• Foster a risk management culture by developing a common understanding of the issues and encouraging the adoption of best practices within the organization 
• Provide leadership, engage employees and develop talent to maintain a high-performing team that is adapted to the evolving needs of the risk function 

What we offer*

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement
• Group insurance including telemedicine
• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

* Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, finance, law, insurance or a related field
• A minimum of ten years of relevant experience, including at least five years in a management role
• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered
• Experience in the life and health insurance industry
• Significant experience in risk management, governance, compliance or oversight functions
• Demonstrated experience in supporting executives and business sectors
• Experience in managing and mobilizing teams of professionals
• Knowledge of French is required
• Intermediate advanced proficiency of English, both written and spoken, due to the nature of the duties or work tools as well as interactions with English-speaking partners, members and clients

Action oriented, Business insight, Communicates effectively, Customer Focus, Develops talent, Differences, Drive results, Engagement, Networks, Nimble learning, Strategic mindset

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility

At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We're committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve.

If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!

Trade Union (If applicable)

Job Family

Management (FG)

Unposting Date

2026-10-30

About us

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America. We're the choice for over 52,000 employees and we're named one of Canada's top employers by Mediacorp and Forbes. We offer a full range of financial products and services and share our expertise in personal services, business services, wealth management, life and health insurance, and property and casualty insurance.

Pursuing a career at Desjardins means being part of an organization that puts people first.

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