Specialist, Product Strategy and Innovation, Sun Life Health

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Specialist, Product Strategy and Innovation, Sun Life Health

Company: Sun Life

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product & Operations Strategy

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the execution, operations, and strategic evolution of Sun Life Health's product portfolio, with a specialized focus on chronic disease management (CDM) and emerging health products.

• Support the end-to-end product lifecycle, from ideation and business modeling for new product initiatives to the ongoing management and optimization of existing in-market offerings.

• Lead key operational functions including program reporting, KPI tracking, billing, and invoicing, ensuring seamless delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Contribute significantly to business development and sales enablement by creating compelling content and presentations that showcase product capabilities and value propositions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a blend of strategic thinking and tactical execution within the health insurance and digital health product space. The emphasis on "operations" in the description points towards a need for analytical rigor, process management, and data-driven decision-making to ensure product success and client satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Evolution & Enhancement:

  • Contribute to product enhancement initiatives and support activities aimed at evolving current health programs, particularly in chronic disease management.
  • Assist in developing recommendations and proposals for piloting new product models, including defining patient journeys, conducting business modeling, and setting target outcomes.
  • Collaborate with third-party players and the Manager of Partnerships and Growth to explore and support strategic partnerships related to program evolution.
  • Support go-to-market strategies for piloting and launching new product features and programs.
  • Contribute ideation on how current CDM products align with the future roadmap of Sun Life's health product suite.

• Program Reporting & Operations:

  • Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for in-market CDM programs, including enrollment, conversion rates, and health outcomes, for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Identify areas for operational enhancement and support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and test-and-learn activities based on data insights.
  • Report on the success of implemented initiatives against defined targets.
  • Support contractual requirements, including billing and invoicing, for active programs.

• Business Development & Sales Enablement:

  • Develop content and presentations for client-facing materials and proposals, effectively showcasing program offerings and capabilities.

  • Collaborate with the Manager of Partnerships and Growth and the Director of Product, ePharmacy to deliver presentations, answer client questions, and tailor content to specific needs.

  • Support sales teams by providing product knowledge and resources to facilitate business development activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong analytical skills in tracking KPIs and health outcomes, alongside operational proficiency in managing billing and invoicing. The "product execution, operations, and future evolution" phrasing suggests a continuous improvement mindset and a focus on data-driven optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2 to 3 years of relevant business experience, with a proven track record in product support, operations, or strategy roles.

• Experience or a strong interest in chronic disease management (CDM) and health products is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Analytical Problem-Solving: Strong, analytically grounded problem-solving skills, including the ability to work with data, conduct analysis, and interpret preliminary results and insights.

• Research Capabilities: Experience conducting in-depth secondary research, including data collection, synthesis, and summarization of insights to inform product strategy and operational improvements.

• Communication & Presentation: Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present findings, insights, and proposals to diverse stakeholders across the organization.

• Tactical Execution: Ability to think at a detailed, diagnostic, and tactical level, connecting daily tasks to broader strategic objectives and ensuring operational efficiency.

• Learning Agility: Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and build content knowledge in new domains, crucial for adapting to evolving health product landscapes.

• Results Orientation: A results-oriented mindset with a keen attention to detail and a commitment to achieving program and product objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in competitive analysis, strategic partnerships, and building business cases.

• Familiarity with Sun Life's business operations, products, and market positioning.

• Experience with digital health platforms, patient engagement tools, or health outcome measurement frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "tactical level" and "problem-solving" with data suggests that candidates with operations backgrounds who can demonstrate process improvement capabilities will be highly valued. The ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for product evolution is key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Showcase examples of how you have analyzed existing processes, identified inefficiencies, and implemented improvements that led to measurable gains in efficiency, cost savings, or client satisfaction.

• Data Analysis & Reporting Examples: Include samples of reports or dashboards you have developed to track key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze trends, and present findings to stakeholders. Highlight your ability to derive actionable insights from data.

• Product Lifecycle Support Documentation: Provide examples of documentation or contributions related to product development, feature enhancements, or operational support for a product, demonstrating an understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Stakeholder Communication Artifacts: Present examples of presentations, proposals, or communication materials you've created to inform or influence stakeholders regarding product strategy, operational changes, or business development initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping out existing workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and designing more efficient or effective processes.

• Implementation and Automation Support: Provide evidence of supporting the implementation of new processes or technologies, and where applicable, contributing to automation efforts to improve operational scalability and reduce manual effort.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Highlight your ability to define success metrics for processes, track performance against these metrics, and use data to inform ongoing process refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should heavily emphasize data analysis, process improvement, and the ability to translate operational performance into strategic recommendations. Demonstrating experience with reporting, KPI tracking, and contributing to product evolution through operational insights will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $60,000 - $97,000 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package designed to meet diverse individual and family needs from day one.

• Retirement Savings: Access to pension, stock, and savings programs to support long-term financial security and wealth building.

• Wellness Programs: Robust programs focusing on mental, physical, and financial well-being to support employees' holistic health.

• Hybrid Working Style: A flexible work arrangement that combines in-office collaboration with remote work, offering a balance between flexibility and in-person interaction.

• Employee Well-being: Being part of the Sun Life family, dedicated to helping clients and employees achieve financial security and healthier lives.

• Inclusive Culture: A friendly, collaborative, and inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives.

• Company Legacy: Opportunity to join a reputable organization with a rich history of over 150 years in financial services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely aligning with industry norms of approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid work model offers flexibility in structuring these hours, with potential for discussion during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the posted information. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are typical for mid-level roles in a large financial institution. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a need for self-management and effective communication in a distributed team setting.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services & Insurance (specifically Health Insurance and Digital Health Solutions)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Sun Life is a global financial services leader with thousands of employees worldwide). This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for professional development within a structured environment.

Founded: 1865. Sun Life has a long-standing history, indicating stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of its markets. This heritage suggests a company that values experience and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Manager, Product Strategy and Innovation, Sun Life Health, indicating a focused product management or strategy team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with various departments including Partnerships & Growth, ePharmacy, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and potentially IT/Digital Development teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The emphasis on tracking metrics, analyzing insights, and reporting on success suggests a data-informed approach to product management and operations.

• Continuous Improvement: The focus on identifying areas for enhancement, implementing test-and-learns, and evolving programs points to a culture that embraces iterative development and optimization.

• Client-Centricity: The company's purpose, "to help Clients and Employees achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives," underscores a client-focused approach in all product development and operational activities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Sun Life's established presence in the financial and health sectors means this role operates within a regulated and competitive landscape. The culture likely values a blend of innovation and proven operational rigor, with a strong emphasis on client outcomes and financial prudence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Specialist, indicating a mid-level position requiring specialized knowledge and the ability to execute independently with some guidance. It bridges tactical operations with strategic product thinking.

Reporting Structure: The Specialist reports to a Manager, indicating a clear line of management and support. This structure allows for mentorship and career guidance within the product strategy and innovation domain.

Operations Impact: The Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful operation and growth of key health products. Their work directly impacts client experience, revenue generation through product performance, and the company's ability to innovate and remain competitive in the health and digital health markets. By supporting product evolution and sales enablement, they contribute to the overall expansion of Sun Life's health offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Management Specialization: Deepen expertise in product strategy, lifecycle management, and innovation within the health insurance and digital health sectors.

• Operational Excellence: Develop advanced skills in process optimization, KPI management, and operational reporting, potentially leading to roles focused on operational efficiency or business management.

• Strategic Partnerships: Gain experience in identifying, evaluating, and managing strategic partnerships, a critical component of health product innovation and delivery.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: The role provides exposure to various departments, offering opportunities to build influence and leadership skills across different business functions.

• Career Advancement: Potential progression to Senior Specialist, Product Manager, or Managerial roles within the Product Strategy & Innovation team or related operational functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is well-suited for individuals looking to grow within product management or operations, particularly within the specialized and growing health tech/digital health sector. The combination of strategy and operations offers a broad foundation for future career development within financial services.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, meaning employees are expected to work from the office and remotely. The specific Toronto office, "Sun Life Toronto One York," is a modern, likely collaborative workspace.

Office Location(s): Sun Life Toronto One York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This is a prime downtown Toronto location, accessible via public transit and offering a professional urban work setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid model necessitates effective use of office time for collaboration, team meetings, and brainstorming sessions. Expect modern office amenities designed for teamwork.

• Technology & Tools: Access to Sun Life's standard technology stack, likely including robust CRM systems, project management tools, communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams), and data analytics software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Manager, Product Strategy and Innovation team, and cross-functional colleagues, facilitating knowledge sharing and project alignment.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with an anticipated standard work week. The hybrid nature allows for flexibility in daily scheduling, balancing in-office days with remote work, which can be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a need for strong self-discipline, proactive communication, and the ability to manage tasks effectively both independently and in a team setting. The office location in a major business hub implies a dynamic and professional work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and cover letter by an HR representative or hiring manager, focusing on experience relevant to product strategy, operations, and health products.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Manager, Product Strategy and Innovation, to assess your understanding of the role's responsibilities, your problem-solving approach, and your fit with the team's objectives. Expect questions about your experience with product operations, data analysis, and stakeholder collaboration.

• Case Study or Practical Exercise: You may be asked to complete a case study or a practical exercise related to product analysis, strategy development, or operational problem-solving. This could involve analyzing market data, proposing product enhancements, or outlining an operational improvement plan.

• Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with key stakeholders from departments like Partnerships & Growth or Sales to evaluate your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across different business functions.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with a Director or higher-level manager to confirm your strategic alignment and long-term potential within Sun Life.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the actions you took, and the measurable results or impact (e.g., improved efficiency, increased enrollment, better client outcomes).

• Showcase Operations & Strategy Blend: Highlight examples that demonstrate both your analytical/operational skills (data analysis, reporting, process improvement) and your strategic thinking (product evolution, market insights, business case contributions).

• Tailor to Health Products: If possible, include examples related to healthcare, digital health, or similar regulated industries to demonstrate relevant domain knowledge. If not, emphasize transferable skills in complex product environments.

• Data Visualization: Use clear charts, graphs, and dashboards in your presentations to illustrate data insights and performance metrics effectively.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio concisely, focusing on the most relevant achievements for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy & Operations: Be ready to discuss how you would approach improving a specific health product's operational efficiency or contributing to its strategic roadmap.

• Data Analysis & Insight Generation: Prepare to explain how you use data to identify opportunities for product enhancement or operational improvements.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would communicate complex product or operational changes to different audiences (e.g., clients, sales teams, senior leadership).

• Industry Trends: Familiarize yourself with current trends in digital health, chronic disease management, and the broader health insurance market in Canada.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "operations" and "product strategy" suggests interviewers will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate a strong understanding of how operational execution drives product success and strategic growth. A portfolio that clearly links operational improvements to business outcomes will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Likely experience with a robust CRM such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or a proprietary system for managing client interactions, sales pipelines, and product adoption data.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project for managing product development cycles, operational tasks, and cross-functional projects.

• Productivity Suites: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace for documentation, data analysis, and presentations. Excel will be critical for data analysis and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik Sense for creating dashboards, visualizing data, and reporting on KPIs and program performance.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis; familiarity with SQL or statistical software (e.g., R, Python) would be a strong asset for deeper data exploration.

• Reporting Platforms: Experience generating reports for internal stakeholders and potentially external clients, focusing on key metrics like enrollment, conversion rates, and health outcomes.

CRM & Automation:

• Health Product Platforms: Familiarity with specialized platforms used for chronic disease management, patient engagement, or digital health services.

• Workflow Automation: While not explicitly stated, an understanding of how automation can streamline operational processes (e.g., billing, reporting) would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with data analysis and reporting tools, as these are central to tracking product performance and identifying areas for operational improvement. Experience with BI tools like Tableau or Power BI is highly valued in operations-focused roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Impact: A commitment to using data and analytics to inform decisions, measure success, and drive tangible improvements in product performance and operational efficiency.

• Client-Centricity: A dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring that product operations and enhancements ultimately benefit end-users and contribute to their health and financial well-being.

• Continuous Improvement: An attitude of always seeking ways to optimize processes, enhance product offerings, and adapt to evolving market demands and technological advancements.

• Collaboration & Transparency: A belief in working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing information openly, and fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for assigned tasks and projects, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery, and demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with teams across Sales, Marketing, Partnerships, IT, and Operations to ensure seamless product execution and go-to-market success.

• Process Review & Feedback: Participating in regular reviews of operational processes and product performance, providing constructive feedback, and being open to receiving it.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned with team members and broader stakeholder groups.

• Agile Methodologies: While not explicitly stated, an agile mindset of iterative development, quick adaptation, and collaborative problem-solving would be highly beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sun Life's stated purpose emphasizes helping clients achieve financial security and healthier lives. This value likely permeates the team's culture, meaning operations will be viewed as a critical enabler of these outcomes, demanding a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Operational Execution with Strategic Vision: The role requires managing day-to-day operational tasks (reporting, billing) while contributing to long-term product strategy and innovation. Effectively prioritizing and switching between these modes is key.

• Navigating a Regulated Industry: The health insurance sector is highly regulated. Success requires a keen awareness of compliance requirements and an ability to integrate them into product operations and development.

• Data Interpretation & Actionability: Synthesizing complex data from various sources (enrollment, health outcomes, client feedback) into clear, actionable insights for product enhancement and strategic decision-making can be challenging.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and coordinated efforts from diverse teams with potentially different priorities requires strong communication, negotiation, and influence skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Health Product Knowledge: Gaining deep expertise in chronic disease management, digital health solutions, and the Canadian health insurance landscape.

• Product Strategy & Innovation Skills: Developing advanced capabilities in market analysis, business modeling, patient journey design, and go-to-market planning.

• Operational Excellence: Enhancing skills in process optimization, performance management, and leveraging technology for operational efficiency.

• Industry Exposure: Learning from experienced professionals in product, partnerships, and sales, and potentially attending industry conferences or webinars related to health tech and insurance.

• Mentorship: Benefiting from guidance from the Manager, Product Strategy and Innovation, and other senior leaders within Sun Life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and financial services, a dynamic and growing field. The challenges presented are typical for roles that bridge operational execution with strategic product development in established organizations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used data analysis to identify an opportunity for product improvement or operational efficiency. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your analytical process, the insights derived, and the tangible results.)

• "How would you approach developing a business case for a new feature within an existing chronic disease management product?" (Emphasize your understanding of market needs, financial modeling, and strategic alignment.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sun Life's commitment to helping clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives?" (Connect your personal values and career aspirations to the company's purpose.)

• "How do you envision contributing to a hybrid work environment and collaborating effectively with a distributed team?" (Highlight your communication skills, proactivity, and ability to manage tasks independently.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key themes: Process Optimization, Data Analysis & Insights, Product Lifecycle Support, and Stakeholder Engagement.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the scope of your work and the impact of your contributions (e.g., "Reduced processing time by 15%," "Increased enrollment by 10%," "Presented findings to a team of 20 stakeholders").

• Tell a Story: For each case study, briefly outline the challenge, your role and actions, and the resolution or outcome. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

• Highlight Operations & Strategy Synergy: Clearly articulate how your operational contributions supported or informed product strategy, and vice versa.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio, especially regarding your methodology, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who can articulate their operational contributions in strategic terms, demonstrating how they drive business outcomes. Preparing specific examples that showcase analytical rigor, process improvement capabilities, and an understanding of the health product lifecycle will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sun Life careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in product strategy, operations, data analysis, and any relevant health or digital health product experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "product execution," "operations," "KPI tracking," "business reporting," and "stakeholder collaboration."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work in process optimization, data analysis, reporting, and strategic contributions. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your ability to analyze operational performance and drive product evolution.

• Practice Your Narrative: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, focusing on examples that highlight your problem-solving skills, analytical capabilities, and collaboration style.

• Research Sun Life Health: Familiarize yourself with Sun Life's health product offerings, their purpose, and recent news or initiatives in the health sector. Understand how your role contributes to their overall mission.

⚠️ 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.