AVP, Strategy and Corporate Development

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.   

If you have experience in Strategy and Corporate Development and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.  

 
Zurich Canada is currently looking for am AVP, Strategy and Corporate Development to support the development of enterprise vision and strategy, market intelligence, and corporate development for the enterprise, aligning initiatives with Group strategy and long-range plans. Responsibilities include leading strategic assessments, conducting detailed financial and transaction analysis, supporting corporate development activity from sourcing through closing, and influencing senior leaders with clear, data-driven insights. The role ensures the business remains competitive, forward-looking, and well positioned for growth. The role is well suited for candidates from top tier management consulting or investment banking backgrounds who have combined enterprise strategy experience with hands on exposure to M&A, corporate development, or private equity transactions. 

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters. This posting is for an existing vacancy.  

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence–enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals. 

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in-person presence, which may include time in the office or market-facing engagements. 

What you will do:

Strategy & Business Leadership 

•    Structure and lead enterprise wide strategic problem solving, translating ambiguity into clear options and executive decisions. 
•    Act as an internal strategy advisor to senior leadership on growth, portfolio, and transformation topics. 
•    Define and evolve the business unit’s value proposition in alignment with enterprise strategy. 
•    Conduct strategic assessments of performance versus goals; recommend initiatives to close gaps and accelerate growth. 
•    Lead or co-lead strategic workstreams and cross functional projects to deliver high impact business outcomes. 
•    Provide insights on external market, regulatory, and competitive trends influencing long range plans. 

Corporate Development 

•    Lead or co lead valuation processes, including complex financial models, transaction metrics, and synergy cases. 
•    Partner with the Chief Transformation Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other senior leaders in the organization, as well as external investment bankers to manage transactions from initial evaluation through due diligence, negotiations, and closing. 
•    Conduct research on industry trends, competitive dynamics, and strategic transactions to support investment theses. 
•    Liaise with Finance, Risk, Actuarial, Legal, and other functions to ensure consistency and rigor in valuation assumptions. 

Market Intelligence & Insights 

•    Lead development of market intelligence, including competitive analysis, regulatory trends, and industry transactions. 
•    Manage proprietary research and analytics to deepen understanding of business drivers and emerging opportunities. 
•    Serve as a key informant on insurance market perspectives and maintain strong external knowledge sources. 

Communication & Stakeholder Management 

•    Develop executiveready presentations that synthesize analysis, options, and recommendations with clarity and impact. 
•    Build strong relationships with senior leaders across the organization, enabling alignment on priorities and direction. 
•    Communicate complex findings to internal and external stakeholders in a structured, concise manner. 

Team Leadership & Collaboration 

•    Coach and mentor team members, fostering capability development in strategy, finance, and corporate development. 
•    Provide guidance and technical expertise to project teams and business partners. 

What you bring to the table:

Required: 

•    5+ years of experience in top tier management consulting, investment banking, corporate development, or private equity, with demonstrated exposure to both enterprise strategy and M&A / transaction environments. 
•    CPA, CFA, or MBA strongly preferred. 
•    Strong financial background with expertise in valuation, financial modeling, and transaction analysis. 
•    Demonstrated ability to identify issues, interpret results, and propose solutions quickly and effectively. 
•    Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. 
•    Excellent written, visual, and verbal communication skills (PowerPoint proficiency required). 
•    High degree of initiative; able to work independently and within cross-functional teams. 
•    Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to influence across levels.

At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $170,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate’s skills and experience. 

Our Culture

•    At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.  
  
•    We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.   
  
•    We care about our employees’ well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.  
  
•    We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.  
  
•    We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.   
  
•    We are committed to continuous improvement and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.   
  
•    We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.  
  
•    We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.     

  
Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.   
  

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 650 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.