VP, IT Operations and Security

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 one of the most impactful global insurers in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada. 

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a VP, IT Operations and Security to lead the strategic direction, governance, delivery, and continuous improvement of technology operations, workplace technology services, infrastructure, operational resilience, and information security across Canada. 

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, Canada, you will serve as a key member of the Canadian Technology Leadership Team, responsible for ensuring the stability, security, resilience, and effectiveness of technology services that enable business performance and support Zurich Canada's strategic priorities. You will provide leadership across IT operations, end-user services, service management, operational resilience, disaster recovery, vendor management, and information security while fostering a high-performing team and strong partnerships across the business and global technology organization. 

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a strategic mindset, strong operational discipline, exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, and the ability to translate business needs into secure, scalable, and efficient technology solutions. 

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. 

What you will do:

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and execute the Canadian strategy for IT operations, workplace technology, service delivery, operational resilience, and information security in alignment with business objectives and global technology standards. 
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing insights and recommendations on technology trends, risks, opportunities, and investment priorities. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service quality, strengthen operational performance, and improve the employee technology experience. 
• Contribute to enterprise technology planning and strategic decision-making as a member of the Canadian Technology Leadership Team. 

IT Operations & Service Delivery 

• Lead the delivery, deployment, and integration of technology services and operational solutions across the organization. 
• Oversee end-user computing, workplace technology, service management, infrastructure operations, and technology support functions. 
• Establish and monitor service performance metrics, ensuring reliable, efficient, and customer-focused technology services. 
• Act as the executive escalation point for major incidents, service disruptions, and operational challenges. 
• Champion service excellence and drive initiatives that improve operational effectiveness and reduce technology risk. 

Information Security & Technology Risk 

• Provide leadership and oversight for information security practices, controls, and operational security initiatives within Canada. 
• Partner with global security teams to ensure alignment with enterprise security frameworks, policies, and standards. 
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and remediation of technology and cybersecurity risks. 
• Promote a culture of security awareness and accountability across the organization. 
• Support regulatory compliance requirements and technology-related audits and assessments. 

Operational Resilience & Business Continuity 

• Lead the development, maintenance, and testing of business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities for technology services. 
• Ensure technology resilience strategies support business continuity objectives and regulatory expectations. 
• Oversee incident response, recovery planning, and operational resilience governance. 
• Partner with business leaders to ensure critical services remain resilient and recoverable during disruptions. 

Vendor & Stakeholder Management 

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, global technology teams, and external partners. 
• Oversee strategic vendor relationships, contract governance, service performance, and supplier risk management. 
• Lead negotiations and governance activities with key technology service providers. 
• Effectively communicate technology priorities, risks, and performance outcomes to executive leadership and business stakeholders. 

Project & Change Leadership 

• Provide executive sponsorship and oversight for technology transformation initiatives, infrastructure programs, and operational improvement projects. 
• Ensure technology projects are delivered successfully, balancing risk, cost, quality, and business value. 
• Champion modernization initiatives, including cloud adoption, workplace technology enhancements, and service management improvements. 

What you bring to the table:

Required 

Bachelor's Degree and 10 or more years of experience in Information Technology 

OR 

High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in Information Technology 

AND

• 10+ years of progressive technology leadership experience. 
• Experience leading IT operations, infrastructure, workplace technology, and service delivery functions. 
• Experience leading information security, technology risk, or cybersecurity-related initiatives. 
• Experience managing leaders and large technology teams. 
• Experience overseeing complex vendor and third-party technology relationships. 
• Experience leading enterprise-wide technology programs and operational transformation initiatives. 
• Experience with cloud technologies, hybrid infrastructure environments, and modern workplace solutions. 
• Experience with operational resilience, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning. 
• Strong business acumen and executive stakeholder management capabilities.

Preferred

• Experience within insurance, financial services, or other highly regulated industries. 
• Experience working within global or matrixed organizations. 
• Experience with Agile delivery methodologies and technology service management frameworks. 
• Experience with ServiceNow, Remedy, or similar IT Service Management platforms. 
• Professional certifications such as CISA, CISSP, PMP, Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, Palo Alto, or equivalent technology certifications. 
• Advanced knowledge of information security frameworks, technology governance, and service management practices. 
• Experience with ITIL v4 or similar.

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.