SVP & Chief Operating Officer (COO) - HSB Canada
About The Position
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the HSB Canada Executive Leadership Team, responsible for translating enterprise strategy into operational execution and sustainable business performance. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO leads critical business and operational functions, strengthens organizational effectiveness, and ensures the company has the operating model, governance, processes, digital capabilities, and leadership discipline required to achieve its strategic, financial, and customer objectives. The COO’s functional oversight spans multiple critical business enabling functions such as Claims, Engineering & Inspection, Transformation, Data & Analytics, Operations, and technical Learning & Development. Furthermore, while IT is managed centrally through GSI IT, the COO oversees HSB Canada’s IT project prioritization, IT project execution as well as the IT “run” operations. The role will be accountable for driving growth through our key business enablers, achieving operational excellence, enterprise transformation, process optimization, and cross-functional alignment while fostering a high-performing, accountable, and values-led culture.
Requirements
- Post-secondary degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Risk Management or related field; Actuarial background/credentials are highly desired.
- Significant senior leadership experience in operations, transformation, and business management at an enterprise level, ideally within insurance or other regulated financial services environments.
- Demonstrated success leading large-scale operational improvement, transformation, process redesign, or digital enablement initiatives.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets, evaluating business performance, and supporting strategic planning.
- Experience operating within a global–local governance model.
- Experience leading through complexity in a matrixed organization and partnering effectively across business, technology, risk, finance, and support functions.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and executive presence, with the ability to engage internal and external audiences credibly.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and a track record of creating inclusive, accountable, and high-performing teams.
- History and success leading and developing high performing teams
Responsibilities
- Lead execution of HSB Canada’s operating model to support growth, profitability, customer service, and enterprise resilience. Oversee core operational disciplines and business enablement functions – claims, engineering & inspections, data, technology and processing.
- Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to shape strategic priorities, convert strategy into measurable execution plans, and monitor progress against business objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement across end-to-end processes to increase efficiency, effectiveness, quality, speed to market, and customer outcomes. Lead enterprise transformation initiatives, including digital enablement, automation, data and analytics capabilities, and operational modernization.
- Ensure the business has the appropriate controls, reporting, management routines, and decision-support information to operate effectively and in alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee operating and functional budgets within scope, ensuring disciplined resource allocation and strong financial stewardship.
- Build strong cross-functional partnerships with HSB and Munich Re Group business leaders and enterprise partners to align priorities, remove barriers, and accelerate delivery. Cooperate closely with the HSB and Munich Re Group’s claims, engineering, inspections, operations and IT community and other relevant units ensuring understanding of relevant strategy, standards and philosophy.
- Prepare and present comprehensive reports on business performance, risk exposures, and strategic initiatives to the CEO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors. Ensure timely, data-driven communication of key metrics, trends, and recommendations to support informed decision-making at the highest levels.
- Inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing underwriting and product management teams, cultivating a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence. Implement talent development programs, succession planning, and performance management processes to build organizational capability and ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards.
Benefits
- An engaging and collaborative environment that promotes continuous learning and development
- A hybrid work environment that combines weekly in-office and remote days
- A great compensation package including an annual company bonus
- Competitive company-paid flexible health and dental benefits, starting on your first day
- Flexible dollars provided by the company to put towards a Health Spending Account and/or Wellness Spending Account
- Wellness program with tools and resources supporting your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing – on and off the job
- Participation in the DC Pension Plan with a progressive employer contribution scale based on tenure starting at 4%, plus optional company match in the RRSP plan
- Generous time off including vacation, personal days, unplanned time, Statutory Holidays and company-wide early closure half-days
- Learning and development programs and resources, including unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning, Education Assistance Program, and reimbursement for professional fees
- Employee Referral Program and Recognition Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
