Senior Consultant, User Research and Innovation

About the position Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide. Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities. Job Description: Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Internal candidates are not required to relocate near an office. The opportunity: The Sun Life Health and Risk Solutions team has ambitious growth goals, including expansion further into the health & wellness space, launched from a base of strength in Stop-Loss. To support this, we seek a research-focused professional who will drive innovation through comprehensive market analysis and strategic project management. The Senior Consultant, User Research and Innovation will support the development of data-driven insights that inform business strategy and content development in reimagining how people view and use healthcare. Seated within User Research and Innovation, this position will join a high-performing integrated Go-to-Market Strategy team with a strong track record of executing across partner teams in Sales Enablement, Marketing, and Client Experience. Partnership activities include: conducting qualitative research, analyzing market trends, supporting multichannel campaigns around insurance/health, risk management, and complex health conditions. Strong analytical skills and subject matter knowledge around the needs and values of brokers, clients, members, and health insurance partners are essential to excel in this position. This role will focus on conducting primary and secondary research, managing multiple research projects simultaneously, and translating findings into actionable insights for internal stakeholders. As a self-motivated researcher and project manager, this person will proactively identify emerging trends and opportunities, coordinate cross-functional research initiatives, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality research outputs that support our expansion into health and wellness solutions.

Responsibilities

• Leading research project management - independently managing multiple concurrent research initiatives from conception to completion, ensuring deadlines are met, budgets are maintained, and deliverables exceed expectations
• Conducting comprehensive market analysis - performing primary and secondary research to identify market opportunities, competitive landscapes, and emerging trends in healthcare, stop-loss insurance, and wellness solutions
• Developing actionable insights - translating complex research findings into clear, compelling reports and presentations that inform business strategy and support content development initiatives
• Supporting innovation initiatives - collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and execute research that uncovers new opportunities for product development and market expansion
• Managing stakeholder relationships - coordinating with internal teams including sales, marketing, client experience, other internal partners and external vendors to ensure seamless project execution
• Driving data-driven decision making - proactively identifying research needs, proposing methodologies, and delivering insights that support business objectives and growth goals
• Contributing to business goals/thought leadership development - providing research foundation and data analysis that supports content creation and strategic positioning initiatives Requirements
• Ability to work with a diverse range of people
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in business, market research, or related field preferred
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in market research, business analysis, or related role
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights
• Excellent project management capabilities including planning, resource allocation, timeline management, and stakeholder coordination
• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive projects forward without constant supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to present findings to diverse audiences
• Proficiency in research methodologies including survey design, data analysis, and statistical interpretation
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment
• Detail-oriented approach with strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Curiosity and passion for healthcare innovation and insurance industry trends Nice-to-haves
• Insurance or healthcare industry experience preferred
• Project management experience or certification a plus
• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• Demonstrated success in managing vendor relationships and research partnerships
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high quality standards and meeting deadlines
• Experience with research tools and software a plus (e.g., SPSS, Tableau, survey platforms)

Benefits

• At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity.
• In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business.
• We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.
• We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive.
• Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account.
• Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth.
• Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we’ve also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Apply tot his job

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