Senior Consultant, User Research and Innovation

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.

How you will contribute:

• 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

What you will bring with you:

• 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
• 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
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to synt