Senior Leadership

Description:

Allianz Commercial, a key strategic player in the global Allianz Group network, is seeking a Head of Legal and Compliance – Canada to provide strategic and operational leadership for its Canadian operations. This senior leadership role will oversee governance, compliance, and legal functions, ensuring alignment with Canadian federal and provincial regulations, as well as Allianz Commercial and Allianz Group standards. The incumbent will play a crucial role in mitigating legal, reputational, and regulatory risks while supporting the company’s long-term growth objectives.

As a member of the Canada Leadership Team (CLT) and Canada Steering Committee (CSC), the Head of Legal and Compliance will proactively guide regional governance strategy, act as the primary regulatory interface, and provide legal and compliance support across all business areas, including finance, claims, underwriting, risk management, IT, internal audit, reinsurance, and procurement. The role requires a forward-thinking professional with strong business acumen, the ability to operate within a global matrix organization, and a proactive approach to regulatory change management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic legal and compliance leadership as part of the Canada Leadership Team and Steering Committee.

• Manage Canadian legal and compliance matters, identifying and mitigating legal, reputational, and regulatory risks.

• Serve as the primary regulatory liaison and ensure compliance with OSFI Guidelines and other applicable laws.

• Oversee corporate governance records, licensing, and business maintenance.

• Support product development and review (re)insurance policy wordings, endorsements, and distribution contracts.

• Provide strategic advice and legal guidance to senior management and cross-functional teams.

• Manage relationships with external legal counsel and oversee outsourced functions (Risk, Actuarial, Compliance Audit).

• Represent Allianz in industry associations, including the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Global Commercial Insurers Association.

• Monitor regulatory and legislative changes, advising on their impact across business units.

• Support regulatory audits, compliance investigations, market conduct reviews, and filings.

• Act as Ombudsperson for AGRUS and Allianz Life Canadian runoff operations.

• Lead regulator data calls on emerging risk areas such as climate change and cyber risk.

• Ensure compliance processes are effectively embedded within the Canadian branch, in collaboration with North America and Global Compliance teams.

• Participate in compliance meetings and reviews, contributing to global compliance initiatives.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Canadian (re)insurance law, corporate law, and compliance program implementation.

• Expertise across underwriting, claims, reinsurance, and broker relations.

• Proven ability to work autonomously in an international matrix organization.

• Strong client service orientation and relationship management skills.

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

• Ability to leverage AI tools for compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency.

• Canadian Law Degree with active membership in the Ontario Bar Association.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base Salary: $200,000 – $230,000 per year (approx. $16,666 – $19,166 per month).

• Performance-based cash incentive awards.

• Pension plan and comprehensive benefits package (medical, wellness, parental leave).

• Hybrid work model with flexible working arrangements.

• Career development, international mobility, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Legal and regulatory expertise in insurance and corporate law.

• Strong leadership and governance abilities.

• Contract drafting and negotiation.

• Strategic risk management and compliance oversight.

• Business acumen and cross-functional collaboration.

• Ability to influence regulatory bodies and represent the organization at industry forums.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.