AVP, Claims Counsel Manager

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

If you have deep experience in insurance coverage and litigation and are looking to take the next step in senior legal leadership, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for an AVP, Claims Counsel Manager to lead and direct a team of legal counsel responsible for providing coverage advice to internal clients across all lines of the claims organization, managing coverage litigation against Zurich, and providing legal advice to underwriting partners on policy wording. The team deals with  moderate to highly complex insurance coverage and extra-contractual issues across all lines of business in both Claims and Underwriting.

Reporting to the Chief Claims Officer, you will provide strategic leadership, legal expertise, and operational oversight for internal legal opinions, litigated claims, and underwriting support, while developing high-performing teams, driving technical excellence, and partnering closely with Claims, Underwriting, and other business stakeholders to deliver strong outcomes and protect Zurich's reputation.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence–enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in-person presence.

•    Lead, coach, and develop a team of claims legal counsel, driving performance, engagement, and professional growth

•    Plan and allocate resources to effectively manage workloads and meet business needs across assigned lines of business

•    Provide overall leadership for litigated claims, including coverage and extra-contractual matters, by developing and implementing litigation strategies, policies, and best practices

•    Deliver superior coverage and litigation outcomes by providing technical direction, legal guidance, and oversight of key performance metrics

•    Establish, monitor, and continuously improve quality standards to ensure consistent, high-quality legal service delivery

•    Manage litigation expenses and departmental budgets, ensuring effective cost control and appropriate use of resources

•    Provide legal advice and guidance on complex coverage and extra-contractual issues to claims handlers, claims legal counsel, underwriting partners, and senior stakeholders

•    Identify opportunities to enhance technical excellence through training, product development input, policy language review, and endorsement recommendations

•    Develop and deliver targeted training programs to strengthen legal, technical, and operational capabilities across the organization

•    Lead and support complex projects and change initiatives involving multi-disciplinary teams and long-term timelines

•    Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for operational improvement, risk mitigation, and enhanced customer outcomes

•    Ensure compliance with Zurich's risk management framework, governance standards, and codes of conduct

•    Foster a culture aligned with Zurich's mission, vision, and Zurich Basics, promoting collaboration, transparency, and accountability

Required:

•    Juris Doctor (JD) and 7 or more years of experience in a legal role

•    7 or more years of combined legal experience in insurance coverage, insurance litigation, extra-contractual litigation, and/or professional errors and omissions litigation

•    Active member of the Bar of any Canadian province

•    Experience using legal research tools such as Lexis or Westlaw, as well as MS Office

•    Proven experience collaborating across multiple lines of business and with senior stakeholders

Preferred:

•    People leadership or management experience

•    Strong oral, written, and facilitation skills, with the ability to present effectively to claimants, customers, and internal partners

•    Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing teams

•    Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

•    Advanced technical experience in one or more P&C lines of business

At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is $160,000 – $210,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate's skills and experience.

•    At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.

•    We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.

•    We care about our employees' well-being and offer a comprehensive health and benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs, along with a competitive total compensation package.

•    We understand how important it is to rest, recharge, and do the things you love. All Zurich employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year, as well as four personal days to use at their discretion.

•    We are committed to continuous improvement and offer access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

•    We care about our communities and are proud to give back through our talent, time, and resources.

•    We are proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers and a recipient of Insurance Business Canada's 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider in the Canadian commercial market for over 100 years, serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations. With more than 650 employees across the country, Zurich combines global strength with deep local expertise. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals' first choice as their premier partner in addressing today's and tomorrow's risk challenges.