Branch Operations Manager, Reinsurance

Swiss Re•Toronto, ON

About The Position

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Branch Operations Manager (BOM) to join our dynamic team. As a key member of Canadian team, the BOM will work closely with operational and governance specialists and business stakeholders and will be accountable for driving branch governance and operational activities. The role also provides direct support to the CEO. In this role, you will lead and oversee all governance activities and regulatory operational matters, ensuring compliance with OSFI guidelines and Company Group standards and policies.

Requirements

Strong understanding of the Canadian insurance/reinsurance/financial services industry.
Over 8 years of proven expertise in end-to-end operations management, control processes and systems, process optimization, and regulatory implementation.
Ability to connect governance and operational concepts and implement strategies to improve efficiency and performance.
Thrive in complex matrix environments, collaborating effectively across diverse teams and seniority levels.
Ability to build strong working relationships with senior management, stakeholders and employees at all levels, apply leadership 'authority' in a broader sense, lead through ambiguity, and demonstrate high personal integrity and sound judgment.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with the ability to lead, influence and negotiate effectively across functions and seniority levels.
Combine strategic thinking with analytical acumen to understand business drivers, tailor solutions to minimize operational risks and execute effectively in a matrix environment.
Balance attention to detail with a big picture mindset; highly organized, methodical, analytical, and an exceptional problem-solver.
Excels as both a collaborator and a delivery champion; can work both independently and within a team setting.
Ability to contribute to the broader organization on local and global business initiatives.
Ability to execute and deliver on operational or transformational objectives and effectively utilize project management and organizational change management.
Outstanding communicator and storyteller; can advise senior management, provide guidance and convey messages to all levels of employees and stakeholders, and present and create presentation materials in PowerPoint or other software applications.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage the branch’s operational strategy and framework, ensuring strong support to the CEO, Branch Management in fulfilling their relevant oversight responsibilities.
Support the governance and operational oversight of the Canadian operating platform, including coordinating the implementation and continuous improvement of the Branch Governance Framework and managing associated committees and processes.
Translate applicable local regulations into sustainable operational practices, working closely with relevant group functions and subject matter experts.
Lead and enhance business continuity and resilience planning in compliance with OSFI Guideline E-13 and provide ongoing support to the local Incident Management Team.
Develop and maintain operational policies, protocols, processes and guidelines in alignment with global standards; ensure timely execution of operational tasks, effective incident/issue remediation, and strong operational risk management, including training and guidance.
Manage industry association memberships, including tracking, registration and administration of lobbying activities.
Monitor regulatory developments in collaboration with Legal, Compliance and Risk Management; initiate and lead cross‑functional working groups to ensure timely and effective implementation of new regulatory requirements, in-line with Group and local policies and standards.
Administer and oversee regulatory and compliance processes, including the branch compliance management tool, the annual compliance attestation cycle, and the remediation of identified control weaknesses.
Maintain and manage branch controls related to re/insurance compliance, including responsibilities under OSFI Guideline E‑13, global compliance standards and the Risk Control Self‑Assessment (RCSA) framework.
Oversee the outsourcing and third‑party risk management framework, ensuring compliance with OSFI Guideline B‑10 through effective due diligence, monitoring and control processes.
Collaborate with the Regulatory Smart Circle (Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, Finance and Business Representatives) to support Branch Management’s oversight of operations and regulatory interactions with OSFI and provincial regulators.
Engage regularly with key functions (e.g., Audit, Compliance, Finance, Governance, Legal, Risk Management, Tax and business owners) under the direction of the Head of Branch Operations and with guidance from senior operations experts.
Prepare and deliver timely, comprehensive reports and updates to the CEO, Executive Team and Branch Management on operational processes, issues, RCSA and Control Risk Behaviour assessments, compliance matters, and regulatory initiatives.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the CEO, Location Head or Line Manager.