Leader, Special Investigations Unit

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. These are more than just words—they represent our Values: Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

Our Verify Fraud & Financial Crime team is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to manage a high-performing Special Investigations Unit (SIU) team. You'll play a critical role in protecting our honest customers by leading fraud prevention and investigation strategies, ensuring compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

You'll lead, coach, and develop a team of desk and field investigators focused on Ontario Auto & Property claims investigations, collaborating with Verify teams, Claims, and other stakeholders to drive effective fraud mitigation strategies.

What You'll Do:

• Lead a team investigating claims with potential fraud indicators
• Oversee proactive case management, ensuring investigations are timely, effective, defensible, and appropriately scoped
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop fraud mitigation recommendations and participate in decision panels
• Manage team capacity and workflow—set priorities, delegate tasks, and ensure deadlines are met
• Resolve customer and stakeholder escalations, considering all relevant risk factors
• Monitor team performance using data-driven insights; provide coaching, feedback, and support ongoing QA activities
• Support onboarding, training, and career development of team members
• Set clear goals and provide regular, constructive feedback to improve performance
• Enhance investigative capabilities through tools, techniques, and expert resources
• Lead through change with a positive, solutions-focused mindset
• Apply risk management controls proportionately and effectively
• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks
• Contribute to fraud prevention projects and initiatives
• Ensure proper documentation and evidence collection (physical and electronic)
• Provide training and support to front-line staff
• Liaise with Verify and SIU teams to improve fraud detection and decision-making
• Analyze data to identify fraud patterns, process gaps, and propose prevention strategies

What You'll Bring

• Minimum 5+ years of relevant & related experience including fraud investigation/claims adjusting (insurance fraud preferred: auto, injury, or property), people leadership, coaching & development
• Proven ability to lead and coach investigative teams
• Strong risk assessment skills across auto/property & casualty fraud/financial crime
• Solid understanding of claims and underwriting processes
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong communication and customer service skills—diplomatic and empathetic
• Technical knowledge of insurance lines, policies, claims, privacy, and legislation
• Confidence in making objective decisions in high-risk or legally sensitive matters
• Experience with quality assurance and performance feedback

What you'll Get:

• Please note that individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experience, as well as internal equity.
• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
• Outstanding Career Development opportunities.
• We'll support your professional development education.
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year
• Employee driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity and inclusion
• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees' physical and mental health

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is an existing position which has been posted both internally & externally.

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.