Director, National Accident Benefits Claims - Operations

Wawanesa Insurance•Edmonton, AB

1d•CA$150,000 - CA$170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, National Accident Benefits provides strategic and operational leadership for the Accident Benefits claims function, with accountability for performance, consistency, and outcomes. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, fair, and consistent claims outcomes aligned with corporate objectives, regulatory requirements, and member expectations. The Director translates enterprise claims strategy into operational plans, performance frameworks, and governance practices. This includes driving consistency, technical excellence, member experience, and financial performance across the Accident Benefit portfolio. This role partners with executive and cross-functional stakeholders to influence claims strategy, oversee risk, and lead initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness, support transformation, and sustain performance across Accident Benefits claims nationally.

Requirements

10+ years of Property & Casualty claims experience, including Accident Benefits.
5+ years of progressive leadership experience, including leadership of leaders and development of leadership capability.
Experience leading multiple teams, regions, or a functional claims portfolio.
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation required or preferred; advanced designation (e.g., FCIP) considered an asset.
Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively within a matrix structure.
Demonstrated ability to develop leaders, build succession pipelines, and foster a high-performance culture.
Proven experience in building influential relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to provide steady, effective leadership in complex, high-pressure environments, while maintaining sound judgment, accountability, and focus on business outcomes.
Proven ability to drive clarity and eliminate confusion through effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Experience effectively leading cross-functional transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
Strong expertise in Accident Benefits legislation, claims management, and regulatory frameworks.
Experience supporting governance, risk management, and litigation practices within a regulated environment.
Strong financial acumen, including accountability for claims cost performance, expense management, and forecasting.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation required or preferred; advanced designation (e.g., FCIP) considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for the Accident Benefits claims function, translating enterprise direction into operational plans, priorities, and performance outcomes.
Implement and continuously refine claims strategies, policies, and best practices to improve operational effectiveness, technical excellence, and service delivery.
Align Accident Benefits claims operations to ensure consistent, high-quality claim outcomes, strong productivity, and exceptional member experience.
Monitor key performance indicators and claims trends (including quality, cycle time, and financial performance), using data to implement actions to improve efficiency, mitigate risk, and enhance outcomes.
Responsible for financial performance of the Accident Benefits portfolio, including claims cost management, expense oversight, budgeting, and forecasting.
Provide effective leadership, coaching, and direction to Claims Managers and/or leaders, building strong leadership capability, succession pipelines, and a high-performance culture.
Guide the coordination of workforce planning, talent development, and performance management activities to ensure effective resourcing and capability within the Accident Benefits function.
Ensure effective governance of claims practices, including oversight of complex, high-exposure, and litigated claims, while ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and company requirements.
Engage and create alignment with Legal, SIU, QA, and other internal stakeholders to ensure consistent application of claims practices, effective risk management, and strong technical outcomes.
Undertake additional responsibilities as required to support business objectives.