Program Claims Manager - Canada Claims

AXIS (AXIS Capital)•Halifax, NS

30d•Hybrid

About The Position

AXIS is seeking a Program Claims Manager to join their Canada Claims team. This role reports directly to the Head of Canada Claims and is responsible for managing all TPA (Third-Party Administrator) and directly handled multi-line Program claims. These claims encompass various lines of business including Casualty, Property, Professional Lines, Construction, Environmental, Surety, and Marine. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in coverage and litigation management, operational acumen, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Requirements

Trusted claims professional with deep expertise in commercial insurance, including Programs and TPA managed, delegated authority portfolios, operating with strong risk discipline and accountability.
Ability to oversee and influence Third Party Administrators through governance, authority frameworks, and performance management.
Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with people with conflicting expectations, differing opinions, and multiple viewpoints.
Data driven decision-maker who translates claims trends and portfolio analytics into actionable insights that inform underwriting strategy and risk selection.
Sound judgment and confidence in managing complex, high severity, or escalated claims across jurisdictions, with a focus on severity control and outcomes.
Self directed contributor who thrives in a fast paced, portfolio driven environment, setting priorities effectively and driving execution with limited oversight.
Demonstrated ability to apply policy language and coverage intent consistently, balancing technical rigor with commercial judgment.
Visible representative of AXIS with the credibility to engage brokers, clients, TPAs, and internal teams, including willingness to travel to support relationships and outcomes.
Ability to influence and collaborate at all organizational levels, both internally and externally as well as the ability to identify and resolve complex, disputed claims.
Commitment to continuous learning and technical development.
Post-secondary education in law, insurance, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Occasional travel and off-site meetings are required.

Nice To Haves

CIP or Law Degree is considered an asset.
French language skills are considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Direct handling of Program claims – both active and runoff - including investigation, analysis and evaluation of coverage, liability, and damages, within best practices and assigning, directing and managing external counsel.
Direct management of TPA-handled claims, by providing guidance and authority to TPA handlers through all stages of a claim lifecycle, assisting with coverage and exposure assessment as needed.
Manage coordination and oversight of TPA relationships throughout onboarding, offboarding, and run off, including due diligence, contract review, negotiation, and performance tracking in collaboration with key stakeholders, and providing feedback on TPA oversight mechanisms.
Lead complex claim escalations and issues management, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate stakeholder communication.
In collaboration with our operations team, oversee TPA reporting, ensure data accuracy, and approve TPA funding requests.
Support execution of underwriting objectives by responding to underwriting inquiries and information requests, and providing comment on policy construction, drafting and interpretation.
Develop and deliver claims trend reporting, portfolio analytics, and risk assessments to underwriting and senior leadership.
Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including Claims Quality Assurance and Compliance, Shared Services, and Vendor Management teams to implement appropriate quality and compliance reviews of vendor resources for TPA vendors and ensure quality and appropriate claims service results.
Manage AXIS and TPA claims teams with respect to audits and post-audit Management Action Plans.
Manage costs, continuously improving operations, development and enhancement of the TPA and vendor panels.
Collaborate with Compliance and Legal to ensure claims handling adheres to regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and internal standards.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across claims operations, data quality, and TPA oversight models.