English
English
Role
Are you a problem solver? Do you strive for efficiency and improvements in your work? If so, consider working in Design Operations.
We use the term “People, Process and Practice” often to describe what we do. Design Operations supports our larger Experience Design (XD) practice. Although we don't design features, we apply the same XD principles in solving problems for our internal design team.
In Design Operations, we focus on:
We look for, assess and prioritize improvements in the design team's experience, and create processes to help the teams. We also help with creating tooling strategies and implementation.
The Design Operations team doesn't just work within the XD sphere. We work across business lines with leaders in HR and technology to evolve the design practice at Sun Life.
Search design jobsDesign Operations Lead, Client Experience Office, Sun Life Canada
What was your career path that led you to work in design operations?
I started at Sun Life in the Rotational Leadership Development Program (RLDP). When I finished the program, I was the first employee in the UX department. I started as a bit of a UX generalist on what was a very small UX team. Eventually I landed in UX Research for many years. After that, we started the Design Operations team, and I was a great fit. It combined two things I'm passionate about — working with processes and finding efficiencies.
What excites you the most about design operations?
When you have a new Design Operations team, there's so much opportunity. We didn't have a team focused on process efficiencies, so we could affect change very quickly. It's very fulfilling work! The work our team does makes a tangible difference. I'm excited to help mature the design practice here. Having been here for a while, it's incredible to see the progress we're making.
How would you describe the Sun Life culture?
The culture here is so supportive and collaborative. Especially through the pandemic, Sun Life put so much focus on supporting employees' mental health and work-life balance. While it's a culture that promotes high performance, it's not a culture that supports burn out. That's an impressive balance to strike.
What was the most memorable moment working at Sun Life?
I've been here a long time, and I've had some really nice memories. Most of my best moments exist outside the typical day-to-day. I had the opportunity to travel to our U.S. office and attended a game at Fenway with some colleagues. When I started at Sun Life in the RLDP, we had a full week of orientation. I got to know the business, met with leaders, and received training before even starting my job. That was a really memorable week, and it made me excited to start my career here.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
When I am not working you can usually find me playing with (my) toddlers, running, watching baseball or baking (with toddler assistants).
