Manager, Product Strategy & Innovation, Sun Life Health

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Product Strategy & Innovation, Sun Life Health Company: Sun Life Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada (with potential for Waterloo, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec) Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Development & Strategy (Operations adjacent) Date Posted: November 14, 2025 Experience Level: 3-5 years relevant business experience Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product development lifecycle for innovative health solutions within Sun Life Health, focusing on meeting evolving client needs and identifying new growth channels.
• Conduct in-depth market research and data analysis to inform product strategy, identify priority segments (e.g., aging, caregiving, longevity), and define hypotheses for new health product offerings.
• Design and execute pilot programs with a strong emphasis on user experience, leveraging experimentation tools to test and iterate on product features, and measure outcomes against defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Group Retirement Solutions, Finance, Client Experience, Marketing, Legal, Compliance, and Risk, to refine and launch successful health value propositions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "Product Strategy & Innovation," its core responsibilities involve significant operational execution in bringing new products to market. This includes defining requirements, managing pilot phases, analyzing outcomes, and ensuring cross-functional alignment, all of which are critical to successful GTM (Go-To-Market) operations and product operations. The emphasis on "complete product development lifecycle," "piloting," "measuring outcomes," and "rolling out final solutions" strongly aligns with operational execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design of new health products and services, such as chronic disease management programs and solutions for high-priority segments like aging, caregiving, and longevity.
• Utilize primary and secondary research methodologies to thoroughly understand market trends, competitor landscapes, and client needs within target segments.
• Develop and implement pilot program constructs, prioritizing user experience and employing various testing methods (web/mobile experiments, focus groups, surveys, interviews) to gather critical insights.
• Define, track, and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for pilot programs, using data-driven insights to inform product pivots and optimize for improved outcomes.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and communication, ensuring alignment and buy-in from stakeholders across business units (e.g., Retail Advice & Solutions, Group Retirement Solutions) and support functions (Finance, Legal, Compliance, Risk).
• Translate learnings from pilot phases into actionable recommendations for feature enhancements, product iterations, and full-scale rollout strategies.
• Co-create and refine health value propositions that seamlessly integrate with Sun Life’s broader Wealth and Protection/Insurance client offerings.
• Maintain a keen understanding of the competitive landscape and emerging trends in digital health and health solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily lean into product operations and GTM execution. The emphasis on "complete product development lifecycle," "piloting," "measuring outcomes," and "rolling out solutions" requires a strong operational mindset. The need to "design pilot constructs," "leverage internal experimentation tools," and "identify KPIs" highlights the data-driven and analytical aspects crucial for operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Health Sciences, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications in product management or innovation may be advantageous.

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of progressive business experience, with a demonstrated focus on product development, strategy, or innovation.
• Specific experience and genuine interest in the caregiving, aging, and longevity sectors are highly desirable.
• Proficiency in digital health product development or a strong understanding of its principles is a significant asset.
• Experience in business case development is a plus.
• Familiarity with Sun Life's business operations and product offerings would be beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Strategic & Tactical Thinking: Ability to operate at both detailed diagnostic/tactical levels and higher strategic/opportunity levels.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong capability in data analysis, interpretation of results, and developing data-anchored solutions.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent oral and written communication, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build and manage relationships effectively across different departments and levels of the organization.
• Research & Synthesis: Expertise in conducting in-depth secondary research and synthesizing findings into actionable insights.
• Innovation & Design Thinking: Results-oriented approach to innovation and product design, with a strong user-centric focus.
• Organization & Attention to Detail: Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail, essential for managing complex product lifecycles.
• Adaptability & Learning Agility: Resourceful in rapidly acquiring new domain knowledge and adapting to evolving market conditions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with product development frameworks and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Lean).
• Familiarity with user experience (UX) design principles and user research techniques.
• Knowledge of health insurance products and the broader Canadian healthcare landscape.
• Experience with business case development and financial modeling for new products.
• Understanding of regulatory environments relevant to health products (e.g., compliance, legal).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize strong analytical skills, research capabilities, and cross-functional collaboration, which are core competencies for operations professionals. The "3 to 5 years of relevant business experience" suggests a mid-level role, requiring candidates to demonstrate a solid track record of execution and strategic thinking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Development Case Studies: Showcase examples of new products or features conceived, designed, and brought to market, detailing the process from ideation to launch.
• Pilot Program Design & Execution: Present evidence of designing and managing pilot programs, including the methodologies used, key learnings, and iterative improvements made based on pilot outcomes.
• Data Analysis & KPI Reporting: Demonstrate proficiency in defining, tracking, and analyzing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for product initiatives, illustrating how data informed strategic decisions and pivots.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Provide instances where you successfully collaborated with diverse teams (e.g., Marketing, Legal, Finance) to achieve product development goals, highlighting your communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Research & Synthesis Examples: Include examples of market research conducted, showcasing your ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights for product strategy.

Process Documentation:

• Product Lifecycle Documentation: Evidence of documenting key stages of the product development lifecycle, from concept to launch and post-launch analysis.
• Pilot Frameworks: Examples of frameworks or templates used for designing and managing pilot programs, including risk assessment and success metrics.
• User Feedback Integration: Documentation illustrating how user feedback from research or pilots was incorporated into product design and iteration.
• Cross-Functional Alignment Processes: Examples of processes or documentation used to ensure alignment and communication across various internal departments involved in product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving product development and innovation with an operational execution component, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to product lifecycle management, pilot execution, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration is crucial. This is where candidates can showcase their ability to operationalize strategy.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $80,000 - $128,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Dental Coverage: Reflecting the company's focus on health, expect robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings Plans: Access to employer-sponsored pension plans or group retirement savings plans (e.g., RRSP matching).
• Incentive Plans: Eligibility for various incentive plans, including potential for discretionary bonuses based on individual and company performance. Sales-focused roles may have specific sales incentive plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and statutory holidays.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard coverage to protect employees and their families.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for employees' mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Professional Development: Opportunities and support for continuous learning, training, and certifications.
• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to work from both the office and virtually, promoting work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility in scheduling, which can be discussed during the selection process based on role requirements and individual needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a Manager-level role in Product Strategy and Innovation within the Canadian financial services sector, considering the specified experience level and location. The benefits package is expected to be competitive, aligning with a large, established organization like Sun Life.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Insurance, Wealth Management, Benefits) Company Size: Large (Sun Life is a global enterprise with tens of thousands of employees worldwide). Founded: 1865 (Sun Life has a long-standing history and established reputation in the financial services industry).

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Director, Product Development, within Sun Life Health. This suggests a team structure focused on product innovation and development within the health insurance and benefits division.
• The team likely comprises product managers, analysts, and specialists dedicated to researching, designing, and launching health-related products.
• Collaboration is expected to be extensive, involving close partnerships with teams across Sun Life's broader business units, including Retail Advice & Solutions and Group Retirement Solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The emphasis on research, data analysis, and KPI measurement indicates a strong reliance on data to inform product strategy and pilot outcomes.
• Agile & Iterative Development: The description of piloting, measuring, pivoting, and rolling out solutions suggests an agile or iterative approach to product development, prioritizing learning and adaptation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The company culture clearly values collaboration, requiring individuals to work effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals.
• Client-Centricity: The core purpose of developing products is to "meet client needs" and "make life brighter for our Clients," highlighting a client-focused operational ethos.

Company Website: https://www.sunlife.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Sun Life's long history and global presence suggest a stable yet innovative environment. The "hybrid organization" model reflects a modern approach to work, balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, which is essential for product strategy and innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Managerial level, focusing on specialized product development and strategic innovation within the health sector. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and tactical execution.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director, Product Development, Sun Life Health. This provides a clear line of sight to senior leadership within the health division and opportunities for mentorship.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on revenue generation and client acquisition/retention by developing and launching new health products that address unmet client needs and create competitive differentiation for Sun Life. Success in this role directly contributes to business growth and market leadership in the health solutions space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific health product areas (e.g., aging, chronic disease management) or product innovation methodologies.
• Leadership Development: Potential to move into more senior product management or development roles, leading larger teams or broader product portfolios.
• Cross-Business Unit Exposure: Opportunities to work on initiatives that span across different Sun Life divisions (Wealth, Protection), broadening understanding of the overall business.
• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized subject matter expert in health product innovation within the financial services and insurance industry.
• Strategic Influence: Grow influence in shaping the strategic direction of Sun Life's health offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within product management and strategy, with potential to transition into broader operational leadership roles if desired, leveraging the foundational skills in process, analysis, and cross-functional execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid organization, meaning a mix of office-based work and remote work. The primary location is Sun Life Toronto One York, a modern office space designed for collaboration.

Office Location(s):

• Toronto, Ontario: Primary location at Sun Life Toronto One York, a central business district hub.
• Montreal, Quebec: Potential location, offering a different regional market perspective.
• Waterloo, Ontario: Potential location, known for its tech and innovation ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is likely equipped with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan spaces to facilitate teamwork and spontaneous idea exchange, crucial for innovation.
• Technology Enabled: Expect access to modern technology, including robust IT infrastructure, collaboration tools, and potentially specialized software for product development and data analysis.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: The hybrid model encourages intentional interactions with colleagues from various departments, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week with flexibility. The hybrid nature allows employees to balance in-office collaboration days with remote work days, accommodating personal needs while ensuring business objectives are met. This flexibility supports focused work, data analysis, and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, emphasizing flexibility and work-life balance, which is increasingly important for attracting and retaining talent in operations and product roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Director, Product Development, to delve into your experience, skills, and understanding of product strategy, innovation, and the health sector.
• Case Study/Presentation: You will likely be asked to prepare and present a case study related to product innovation, market analysis, or a pilot program design. This assesses your problem-solving, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., Marketing, Legal, Finance, Sales) to evaluate your collaboration and communication abilities.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with Sun Life's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (process), the actions you took, and the measurable results (impact/KPIs).
• Demonstrate Analytical Rigor: Showcase how you used data and research to drive decisions, making your insights and recommendations credible.
• Emphasize User-Centricity: Detail how user needs and feedback were incorporated into your product designs and pilot iterations.
• Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively partnered with diverse teams, managing stakeholder expectations and driving consensus.
• Tailor to Sun Life Health: Research Sun Life's current health offerings and strategic priorities to tailor your examples and demonstrate a genuine understanding of their business.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Design Exercise: Be prepared to brainstorm or outline a new health product concept based on a given scenario or market trend. Focus on feasibility, client value, and potential KPIs.
• Market Analysis: Practice analyzing a specific market segment within health and identifying opportunities for Sun Life.
• Pilot Design: Be ready to propose a pilot program for a new health initiative, including objectives, methodology, target audience, and success metrics.
• Stakeholder Alignment Scenarios: Prepare how you would communicate a new product idea or pilot plan to different stakeholders, addressing their specific concerns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this will heavily focus on demonstrating practical application of skills. A well-curated portfolio is essential for showcasing your ability to execute product strategy, not just conceive it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce or similar platforms for understanding client segmentation, needs, and engagement across different business units.
• Product Management Software: Tools like Jira, Confluence, or specialized product lifecycle management (PLM) software for tracking product development stages, requirements, and roadmaps.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for daily communication, file sharing, and team coordination.
• Presentation Software: PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating compelling presentations for stakeholders and pilot debriefs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel (advanced functions), potentially SQL for data extraction, and BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data visualization and reporting on pilot outcomes and market trends.
• Research Tools: Access to market research databases (e.g., Statista, Euromonitor), competitive intelligence platforms, and internal data analytics platforms.
• Experimentation Tools: Familiarity with A/B testing platforms or user testing software used for web/mobile experiments.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Potentially Marketo, HubSpot, or similar for understanding customer journeys and engagement strategies related to new product launches.
• Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, or Monday.com could be used for managing project timelines and tasks within the product development process.
• Survey Tools: SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or similar for conducting user surveys and gathering direct feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and collaboration tools is critical for this role, as it bridges strategy with operational execution. Understanding how to leverage these tools to inform product decisions and track performance is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving client needs through innovative and effective health solutions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing evidence-based insights derived from research and analytics to guide strategy and execution.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are shared and leveraged to achieve collective success.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, experimentation, and a proactive approach to enhancing products and processes.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Efficiency & Results Orientation: Driving for tangible results and optimizing processes to achieve business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out and engaging with stakeholders across various departments to ensure alignment and gather input.
• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication channels, clearly articulating ideas, challenges, and progress.
• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging a culture where feedback is welcomed and used for mutual improvement and product enhancement.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Working to break down silos and build bridges between different business units to create holistic value propositions.
• Shared Ownership: Promoting a sense of shared responsibility for product success across all involved teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decision-making aligns well with the operational ethos of revenue and product operations, where success hinges on effective cross-functional partnerships and measurable outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Effectively managing diverse priorities and expectations from multiple business units and functional areas.
• Balancing Innovation with Risk & Compliance: Ensuring new product ideas meet regulatory requirements and internal risk frameworks without stifling creativity.
• Translating Research into Actionable Products: Bridging the gap between market insights and tangible, scalable product solutions.
• Measuring Impact of Unproven Concepts: Developing robust metrics and analysis for pilots of novel health solutions where established benchmarks may not exist.
• Adapting to Rapid Market/Technology Shifts: Staying ahead of evolving trends in digital health, consumer behavior, and competitor offerings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Health Sector: Gain specialized knowledge in areas like chronic disease management, aging in place, and digital health technologies.
• Product Innovation Methodologies: Explore and apply advanced frameworks for ideation, design thinking, and rapid prototyping.
• Data Analytics & Experimentation: Enhance skills in using data to drive product decisions, optimize user experiences, and measure business impact.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Develop a broader understanding of Sun Life's various business lines (Wealth, Protection) and how health solutions integrate.
• Leadership & Strategic Influence: Opportunities to mentor junior team members and contribute to higher-level strategic planning for Sun Life Health.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a prime opportunity to develop expertise at the intersection of financial services, health innovation, and operational execution, offering significant long-term career growth potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified an unmet client need and how you approached developing a solution for it. What was your role in the process, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on your process, research, and impact.)
• "How would you approach designing a pilot program for a new health management app targeted at seniors? What KPIs would you track?" (Demonstrate your understanding of pilot design, user experience, and metrics.)
• "Imagine Sun Life wants to expand its health offerings into the caregiving support space. What initial research steps would you take, and who would you need to collaborate with?" (Showcase your strategic thinking, research skills, and cross-functional awareness.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sun Life's current position in the health insurance market, and where do you see opportunities for innovation?" (Research recent news, annual reports, and competitor analysis.)
• "How do you approach working with teams that have different priorities, such as Legal or Finance, when developing a new product?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to pivot a product strategy based on pilot results or market feedback. What was your process?" (Emphasize your data-driven approach and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: Use a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Process -> Actions Taken -> Results/Impact (quantified with KPIs).
• Highlight Operational Execution: For each example, emphasize how you managed the process, collaborated with teams, and ensured successful implementation, not just the idea itself.
• Showcase Data & Insights: Clearly present the data you analyzed and the insights you derived, explaining how they informed your decisions.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific methodologies, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you considered.
• Connect to Sun Life: Whenever possible, relate your experience and insights back to Sun Life's business and strategic goals in the health sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely involve a mix of behavioral, situational, and technical questions, with a strong emphasis on your ability to articulate your process and demonstrate tangible results through your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Manager, Product Strategy & Innovation position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sun Life careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in product development, innovation, health solutions, market research, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your end-to-end product development process, pilot execution, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative achievements. Focus on quantifiable results.
• Research Sun Life Health: Understand their current product offerings, strategic priorities, and the competitive landscape within the Canadian health insurance and benefits market.
• Practice Your Presentation: Be ready to articulate your portfolio examples clearly and concisely, focusing on your process, impact, and ability to collaborate. Prepare for potential case study exercises.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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