Vice President, Group Benefits, Retirement and HR Advisory Services

Our Client

Founded in 1915, Lussier is now one of Quebec’s largest independent insurance, employee benefits and financial services firms. With more than 750 employees and an extensive branch network, the company supports individuals, businesses and organizations in protecting their assets, managing risks and developing their human capital.

Beyond traditional insurance, Lussier has developed an integrated service offering encompassing group benefits, retirement plans, human resources advisory services, occupational health and safety, and financial solutions. This multidisciplinary approach enables the company to serve as a strategic partner to its clients and support their long-term growth.

Backed by more than a century of expertise, sustained growth and an ambitious vision, Lussier continues to expand its position as a Quebec leader in risk management, employee benefits and advisory services for organizations. The company combines deep expertise, close client relationships and an entrepreneurial mindset in an environment where innovation and value creation are central priorities.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Vice President, Group Benefits, Retirement and HR Advisory Services provides leadership for a strategic practice dedicated to employers and their employees. This executive is responsible for defining the practice’s strategic direction, mobilizing teams and driving profitable growth while ensuring an exceptional client experience and achieving financial objectives.

Combining strategic leadership with operational execution, the incumbent fosters synergies across group benefits, retirement plans and HR advisory services while working closely with the property and casualty insurance and occupational health and safety teams. The mandate is to translate corporate objectives into concrete initiatives that generate sustainable value for both clients and Lussier.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Performance

• Develop the practice’s three-year strategic plan and annual business plan in alignment with the Group’s strategic direction under the governance of the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Work with Finance to prepare the annual budget, growth and profitability targets, and investment proposals, and submit them to the COO in accordance with established approval authorities. Oversee execution, conduct monthly variance analyses of revenue, costs and EBITDA, and implement corrective measures as needed. Maintain ongoing awareness of economic, competitive and industry trends to inform decision-making.

Clients, Distribution and Growth

• For medium-sized businesses (10 to 100 employees, segmentation to be confirmed), collaborate with the Vice President, Strategic Growth, who holds primary responsibility for the service offering and business development. Contribute the practice’s expertise, ensure service delivery capacity and establish shared objectives. Promote cross-selling opportunities with property and casualty insurance and occupational health and safety services while ensuring solutions remain relevant to each client.
• For large enterprises (more than 100 employees, segmentation to be confirmed), lead market strategy, customized advisory services and business development. Oversee requests for proposals, complex negotiations and key account relationships in coordination with Strategic Growth. Tailor solutions to the needs of employers and their employees, strengthen client retention and enhance the overall client experience.
• Build lasting relationships with insurers, wholesalers, partners and organizations associated with the practice. Ensure clients have access to a relevant and diverse range of solutions. Act as an ambassador for Lussier among business leaders, associations and professional networks, and contribute to the company’s visibility through conferences and media engagements in collaboration with Marketing. Hold monthly coordination meetings with Strategic Growth to align on market segmentation, business opportunities and shared objectives.

Operational Excellence and Transformation

• Lead the practice’s operations and administration through its management team. Establish objectives, service standards and work structures that optimize capacity, productivity and quality. Align processes with Group-wide practices, improve centralized services and monitor the fulfillment of client commitments. Address significant operational issues and escalations without taking over the teams’ day-to-day management responsibilities. Monitor the profitability of external engagements and the quality of their deliverables.
• Advance integrated solutions based on evolving market needs. Leverage the practice’s claims data, benchmarking and predictive analytics to enhance advisory services while complying with applicable data usage requirements. Propose and implement automation, digital tools and governed applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in collaboration with IT, in accordance with transformation priorities established by the COO. Assess benefits, risks and adoption rates, and share market intelligence and lessons learned with teams.
• Oversee the practice’s operational risks, data protection and audit follow-up activities. Ensure that Legal and Compliance validate the regulatory obligations applicable to the practice, particularly those established by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), as well as the relevance of guidelines issued by the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA). Maintain effective controls, address compliance gaps and escalate significant risks to the COO. Uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure compliance with professional obligations toward clients.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, actuarial science or a related field. CEBS, ASA/FSA or CFA designations are considered assets.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in group benefits and/or retirement savings, including leadership of multidisciplinary teams, financial management and key account management.
• Strategic vision, financial discipline, strong influencing and team engagement skills, an innovative mindset and proficiency in data-driven decision-making.
• Strong understanding of Quebec’s business environment, integrity, political acumen, client focus, ability to navigate matrix organizational structures, and excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in both French and English.

Key Performance Indicators

1. Performance

• Revenue and growth
• EBITDA and profitability
• Productivity
• Talent attraction, retention and succession planning

2. Clients and Partners

• Client retention and satisfaction
• Service quality and fulfillment of commitments
• Cross-selling
• Shared objectives with Strategic Growth

3. Transformation

• Progress on strategic initiatives
• Adoption of tools
• Operational improvements
• Development of the external HR services offering

4. Governance and Monitoring

• KPI definitions
• Data sources
• Accountabilities
• Targets and monitoring procedures

Performance indicators, targets and monitoring procedures will be established jointly with the COO, Finance and relevant stakeholders. No specific numerical targets have been established at this stage.

Proposed Interview Process

• Initial meeting with Glasford International Canada as part of the executive recruitment mandate.
• In-depth interviews with key members of Lussier’s senior leadership team, including the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Pascal Lavigne, Senior Vice President.
• Psychometric assessment to complement the evaluation of leadership potential and suitability for the role.

Contact Information

Stéphane Vincent, M.Sc.
Owner and Partner
514-208-1344
s.vincent@glasfordcanada.ca

Sara Jones
Senior Consultant
514-916-4921
s.jones@glasfordcanada.ca

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.