Operations Specialist

**What’s the ask?**

We are looking for an Operations Specialist to support process improvement and operational execution across our organization through the effective design, management, and delivery of key improvement initiatives.

As the Operations Specialist, your primary role will be to facilitate process improvement across the diverse businesses within Cowan. In this role you will work on multiple projects simultaneously and may serve as Project Manager where appropriate. Your work will include defining and delivering improvement processes/tools used within the organization, and preparing and managing project plans, including resources, timeframes, and budgets. You will perform various coordinating tasks, including scheduling and risk management, along with administrative duties like maintaining project documentation.

To succeed in this role, you should have excellent process improvement knowledge, project management skills, as well as time management and communication skill. In this role you will collaborate with vendors and internal teams to deliver results and meet deadlines.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Coordinate project management activities, resources, equipment, and information
- Liaise with leaders to identify and define requirements, scope, and objectives
- Identify areas for process improvement and provide recommendations
- Discuss and resolve complex problems or risk areas
- Monitor project progress and handle any issues that arise
- Act as the point of contact and communicate project status to all participants
- Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, plans and reports
- Communicate cross functional best practices
- Think creatively and be a change agent
- Support the Project Management office in best practices, monitoring, and reporting on projects across the organization
- Maintain a sense of urgency, facilitate problem solving sessions and meetings to address obstacles, and hold team members accountable to program commitments

**What does it take?**
- Proven work experience as an operations specialist, process improvement facilitator, or similar role; knowledge of six-sigma, design thinking, or other process improvement approach is desired
- Experience in project management, from initial project definition through to project completion
- Solid organizational skills, including multitasking and time-management
- Strong client-facing and teamwork skills
- Familiarity with risk management and quality assurance control
- Knowledge of best practices for Commercial, Personal or Group Benefits Insurance a strong asset
- Experience with Applied Epic, or other broker management software a strong asset
- Outstanding communication skills (oral and written), and interpersonal skills
- Excellent judgment, with strong detail-orientation, is essential.
- Ability to work in an environment that changes rapidly to fit client needs

**Who we are**
Canadian-owned and operated, Cowan Insurance Group is a leading independent insurance brokerage and consulting operation, providing real value to our clients. With close to 500 employees operating out of 10 locations across Canada, we’re proud to have been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2012.

We partner with leading national and international insurance companies to:

- deliver insurance and risk management solutions to businesses, organizations and individuals
- advise on and create retirement, group benefits, disability management and international benefits programs for employee groups.

We also offer wealth and asset management as well as financial and succession planning services to individuals, and specialize in property, casualty and credit insurance.

**What sets us apart?**

**Be in good company**
Integrity matters. It drives our award-winning workplace culture and fuels our collective desire to help our clients, employees, and communities thrive.

**Challenge your thinking**
You're valued for your passion, drive and creativity. The pace is fast but the work is meaningful, interesting, and complex, just the way you like it.

**Grow together**
We believe in your potential. If you’re looking to develop your expertise with learning opportunities and mentoring, we’ll make that happen.

**Benefits and perks**
- Competitive salary
- Participate in our comprehensive benefits plan on day one — no waiting period
- Company-matched Retirement Savings Plan
- Company-paid training and development courses
- Community involvement

**Are you interested?**

Send in your cover letter and resume to share your unique story with us.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, we will contact only those selected for interviews. If you are an applicant with disabilities and require accommodations, please let us know at the time of our contact so that we may arrange for their provision.