Leadership Development Program

 

Find out what members of our Leadership Development Program have to say:

You’re smart, ambitious and passionate about what you do. Reliance™ offers you the opportunity to make the most of your abilities. Our company leaders are also your mentors, and their goal is the same as yours — to help you learn the business and advance into a leadership position within three years.

As a new team member, you’ll have a chance to complete a variety of rotations within Sales, Operations and Finance in order to develop a sound understanding of Reliance culture and organization. With the support of your mentors, these rotations are designed to develop your skills as a well-rounded business leader and strategic thinker. Our Leadership Development Program is tailored to match your goals and career path and to set you up for future success, within Reliance and beyond.

In addition, your customized learning and development program may include:

  • Time management training
  • Communication sessions
  • Advanced interviewing techniques
  • Project management principles
  • Leadership training
  • Peer network lunch-and-learns
  • Mentoring from senior managers and executives
  • On-the-job coaching and shadowing

Reliance™ rotations:

  • Customer Information Systems Analyst
  • Marketing Product Analyst
  • Business Analyst, Project Delivery Unit
  • Customer Experience Analyst
  • Home Comfort Sales Advisor

Bachelor of Commerce
Smith School of Business
Queen’s University

Julia Pellarin

Across both her academic and career endeavors, Julia brings forth an eagerness to learn, take on new challenges, and an authentic drive to go above and beyond to achieve the comprehensive goals of her team. During her time at Queen’s, Julia’s focus on marketing and finance led her to develop a passion for business operation strategy and a drive to create innovative solutions to meet modern-day consumers' market needs. Her eagerness to continue to diversify her experience and develop and advance her abilities drove her to pursue a semester abroad at the University of Melbourne.
Rotations:

  • Project Delivery Unit Analyst

Honours Bachelor of Commerce
DeGroote School of Business
McMaster University

Dorina-Szventivanyi

Having recently graduated from the Commerce program at McMaster University, Dorina brings a background in experiences ranging from banking to wealth management to audit recovery. Having a diverse background, she is looking forward to expanding her knowledge in various departments of the business and refining her skillset in leadership capabilities. She is excited to begin her career in an environment that offers a variety of leadership opportunities and mentorship from senior executives.
Rotations:

  • Branch Analyst

Honours Bachelor of Commerce
DeGroote School of Business
McMaster University

Tyler Corso

Tyler brings to Reliance a strong work ethic and a diverse skill set accumulated through experience in the consumer packaged goods, wealth management, consulting, and government/education industries. His passion for learning and growth was kickstarted during his time at McMaster where he gained leadership experience as the Chief Operating Officer of the DeGroote Marketing Association. Tyler is a life-long learner with a genuine curiosity who is eager to make an impact on the team.
Rotations:

  • Business Analyst, Product Management

Honours Bachelor of Business Administration
Schulich School of Business

Deandra Gonsalves

Deandra is passionate about life-long learning and brings dedication and optimism to any team she joins. Throughout her undergrad, she worked part-time for her university’s IT department, completed an internship with the provincial government and spent her summer before graduating helping Canadian small businesses pivot online due to the pandemic. Deandra is excited to gain a comprehensive and holistic view of the business by rotating through various roles within the company, leading cross-functional projects, and leveraging senior-level mentorship.
Rotation:

  • Customer Experience Analyst

Jennifer Snedden - Reliance LDP

Bachelor of Commerce
Smith School of Business
Queen's University

Jennifer Snedden

Matthew Grilli - Reliance LDP

Bachelor of Arts
Honors Business Administration
Ivey Business School
Western University

Matthew Grilli

Matthew brings a diverse skill set to Reliance with experience in accounting, non-profits, and entrepreneurship. While at Western, Matthew started an online entrepreneurial venture after creating a formula with his identical twin brother to predict scores in collegiate and professional basketball games. Matthew's strong work ethic paired with his analytical mindset will allow him to bring a fresh perspective to a variety of business problems. In addition to being an avid sports fan, Matthew enjoys spending his time skiing in the winter months. Matthew is very eager to begin making contributions to the Reliance Team.
Rotations:

  • Product Management Analyst
  • Health and Safety Analyst

Vanessa Liu - Reliance LDP

Bachelor of Commerce
Smith School of Business
Queen's University

Vanessa Liu

Vanessa explored multiple disciplines in her undergrad at Queen’s University; everything from Hackathons to Sales to Investments. Each enriching experience has enabled Vanessa to bring a diverse skill set and a holistic view to Reliance. Vanessa is passionate about making positive impacts wherever possible and is extremely driven to achieve results. Outside of work, you can find Vanessa progressing her strength training at the gym or yoga.
Rotations:

  • Finance Analyst
  • Builder Analyst
  • Sales Effectiveness Analyst

Headshot - Jordan P

Bachelor of Commerce
DeGroote School of Business
McMaster University

Jordan Piccolo

With experience in business process improvement and implementing information systems, Jordan has developed an appreciation for viewing organizations in a wholistic manner. He brings a diverse skill-set of business and interpersonal skills along with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. Jordan is a life-long learner who is constantly striving for excellence. Jordan’s passion extends to hockey and music, he is an avid follower of all things hockey and self-taught guitar player.
Rotations:

  • Contractor Management Analyst
  • Customer Experience Analyst
  • Marketing Product Analyst

Headshot - Jordan F

Bachelor of Commerce
Smith School of Business
Queen’s University

Jordan Fox

"Jordan’s intrapreneurial mindset allows for him to challenge the status quo, and constantly look for improvements across the organization. During his time at Queen’s, Jordan gained leadership experience as Co-Chair of the Queen’s Commerce Athletics Committee, international exposure doing an exchange semester in Spain, and became very well rounded by taking a diverse set of business courses. In his spare time, Jordan is a true Canadian sports fan and an avid water skier. He is very keen to contribute to the success of Reliance and continue learning and developing in this new role."
Rotations:

  • Business Development Analyst
  • Customer Information Systems Analyst

Jesse Degroote - Leadership Development Program

Honours Bachelor of Commerce
DeGroote School of Business
McMaster University

Jesse DeGroote

“The LDP program has given me the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the business from a variety of different positions. In my roles I was able to work on projects that had major influences on our business. In addition to the projects, I was able to seek guidance from executives and directors to help me grow professionally and personally into a well-rounded individual able to take on anything that is thrown my way.”
Rotations:

  • Builder Analyst
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Marketing Product Analyst
  • Home Comfort Sales Advisor

Nicole Kok - Leadership Development Program

BA - Honors
Ivey Business School
Western University

Nicole Kok

Previously she studied on a government-aided scholarship in a university within China, volunteered in the Philippines, interned in Singapore, and most recently participated in a business exchange studies program in Sydney, Australia. She brings a broad and diverse experience and skillset to Reliance with her variety of work and volunteer experiences within Canada and abroad.
Rotations:

  • Contact Centre - Intranet Specialist
  • Marketing Product Analyst
  • Social and Community Impact Analyst

Grant Hughes - Leadership Development Program

Bachelor of Commerce
Smith School of Business
Queens University

Grant Hughes, Manager, Contractor Program (Program Graduate)

"The LDP program provided the opportunity to build a foundation of knowledge and experience in various sectors within the company. Working under different senior leaders throughout the program provided a variety of approaches that not only challenged me to grow but also shaped my leadership style. I was given the opportunity to relocate to Calgary, which enabled me to take on more responsibility and develop practical leadership experience. Overall the program has allowed me to compound both my existing skill sets and leadership abilities."

Spencer Greenway

Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc)
University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)

Spencer Greenway, Manager, Business Intelligence & Optimization (Program Graduate)

"Reliance’s Leadership Development Program has provided me with unique opportunities to get hands-on experience in a variety of business areas. From my time developing analytics for our Call Centres to the experience I received expanding our operations in the field, I always felt I was being given a chance to learn new things and figure out what roles were the best fit for me. With mentorship from senior executives, I also received valuable guidance for navigating the corporate world and developed lasting connections along the way."

Headshot - Nikita Alkazov

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
Business Management
Ryerson University

Nikita Alkhazov, Operational Effectiveness Manager, Contact Centres (Program Graduate)

"The Leadership Development Program provided me with the opportunity to become a first-rate professional right out of university. From the first day, I was working on projects that had a direct impact on the success of the business. The different rotations that I had an opportunity to experience made me into a well-rounded professional that can tackle any challenge. Prior to joining the program, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Today, I work in an area that I am so passionate about – making our processes more customer friendly and better for our team members."

Bita Momeni

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Schulich School of Business

Bita Momeni, Marketing Product Manager (Program Graduate)

"The LDP program has been an extremely rewarding experience. The mentorship program has allowed me to expand my network. Being paired up with an executive level mentor, has given me the confidence to accelerate my personal and professional growth. Additionally, the rotations I’ve completed throughout these past few years have shaped my skills as a well-rounded business leader and strategic thinker."

Headshot - Mike

Mechanical Engineering & Economics
Queen's University

Mike Robinson, Product Development Manager (Program Graduate)

"One of the best parts of the LDP for me was the mentorship I received from our leadership team, managers and even fellow LDPs. There are some brilliant people working at this company that you can learn from and who are happy to help guide you into becoming a leader and making positive impacts. The other aspect I enjoyed was the ability to try out new things and test your skillsets to see where you perform best. I had no idea what area of business I wanted to work in when I graduated, but through the LDP I found my true passion. The LDP and the people here will help set you up for success."
Rotations:

  • Business Analyst, Special Projects
  • Associate Product Manager, Marketing
  • Business Analyst, Commercial Solutions

Celine de Milleville, LDP at Reliance

BSc - University of Waterloo

Céline De Milleville, Projects Specialist (Program Graduate)

"The accelerated growth Reliance has been experiencing coupled with the contacts made across the business from working in various rotations/departments allows you to capitalize on the countless opportunities available when they arise. I have made lifelong friends at Reliance, and learned from a number of talented managers and mentors along the way. I know I made the right choice in joining Reliance."
Rotations:

  • CI, Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Analyst
  • Project Lead, Sales Effectiveness
  • Team Manager, Administration, Burlington

Laura Ramsden, Reliance LDP

BComm – Queen’s School of Business

Laura Ramsden, Senior Financial Advisor (Program Graduate)

"Reliance’s Leadership Development Program has given me the perfect opportunity to kick-start my career. Through the program, I was able to work on diverse initiatives across four different departments, which pushed me outside of my comfort zone and enabled me to build on my existing skillset. The opportunity to put my interests to the test and pursue a career that I am truly passionate about has been invaluable."
Rotations:

  • CI, Marketing, Product & Builder Analyst
  • Financial Analyst

Jeff Baldwin, LDP at Reliance

Master of International Business
Queen’s University BA Honours
University of Guelph

Jeff Baldwin, Sales Manager, Maple Ridge (Program Graduate)

“The LDP program allowed me to learn the business from various different perspectives and be a part of exciting projects. From day 1 I was working on impactful projects that had immediate, tangible results on the business. The coaching and support from the executive team is second to none. I’ve now had 5 roles within the company and fast-tracked into leadership. The solid foundational understanding of the business has allowed me to succeed along each step of the way and grow my career faster than I ever thought possible. I am truly proud to be Reliance”
Rotations:

  • Business Analyst – Strategic Initiatives
  • Home Comfort Advisor
  • Install Manager