Job DescriptionThe Head of Vave Claims will lead the creation, launch, and long-term success of a new Vave claims function from the ground up, delivering a market-leading, efficient, and strategically aligned claims capability. This person will oversee the development of infrastructure, people, processes, and technology to support the claims needs of the company.
This role combines visionary leadership, claims operations expertise, and strategic execution in a startup environment where this person will create operational structure, culture and vision.
This person will be expected to demonstrate solid leadership, work collaboratively with other members of the leadership team to support and drive delivery of the business unit's objectives. As a key member of the Executive Committee and a global claims leader, this individual will drive collaboration across underwriting, finance, actuarial, risk, and operations to build a best-in-class claims operation.
ResponsibilitiesBuild and Launch US Claims Operation - Design and implement a comprehensive claims operating model, including internal teams, systems, processes, governance, and reporting.
- Lead the selection and implementation of technology platforms that align with the operating model.
- Establish claims protocols, workflows, authority structures, and escalation pathways aligned with the company claims vision.
- Recruit, onboard, and train a high-performing claims team aligned with the company culture and operating model.
Strategic and Operational Claims Oversight - Develop and deliver the claims strategy in line with business objectives and goals.
- Oversee the performance and integrity of claims operations, ensuring compliant operations, positive customer engagements, proper reserving protocols, accurate and timely payments, and complaint resolution processes.
- Monitor KPI's, claims leakage, expense ratios, and data/analytics to identify trends or areas of underperformance.
Leadership and Collaboration - Partner with the senior business leaders to align claims operations with underwriting growth and profitability goals.
- Engage with both UK and US based claims counterparts to maintain consistency, share knowledge, and enhance group-level capabilities.
- Serve as a thought leader in the Executive Committee, contributing beyond claims to the broader success of the regional business.
Regulatory, Vendor, and Delegated Oversight - Ensure compliance with all US regulatory obligations, claims industry best practices and company guidelines.
- Oversee and manage outsourced claims functions and vendor relationships, ensuring SLA compliance and operational alignment.
- Maintain effective control over delegated claims authority.
Financial Management - Own and manage the claims budget; ensure efficient use of resources and identify opportunities to optimize claims processes.
- Monitor claims-related cost drivers and employ expense and indemnity controls where appropriate.
External Relationships and Market Engagement - Build and maintain strong working relationships with key external stakeholders including vendor partners, agents/brokers, and policyholders.
- Represent the company in industry conferences, discussion forums, and engaging as a brand ambassador.
Culture, Talent, and Innovation - Foster a culture of accountability, empowerment, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Identify skill gaps, develop training plans, and support ongoing development of the claims team.
- Drive innovation by continually evaluating and enhancing processes, technologies, and customer experience.
Qualifications- Extensive Claims Leadership: 15+ years in senior property & casualty roles, including oversight of complex commercial and personal lines.
- Claims Operations Expertise: Hands-on experience in building or transforming claims operations from the ground up and in a fast-paced environment.
- Regulatory and Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of U.S. insurance regulations, best practices in claims handling, and reserving principles.
- Strategic Leadership: Ability to design and implement claims strategies aligned with broader business objectives.
- Execution-Oriented: Skilled in converting vision into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.
- Claims Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with modern claims platforms, reporting tools, and ancillary systems.
- Global and Cross-Functional Influence: Proven ability to lead and influence in complex and multinational environments.
- Innovation and Change Leadership: Comfortable driving organizational transformation and adopting emerging technologies.
- Communication and Change Management: Strong communicator with strategic insight and the ability to manage and inspire through change.
Salary Range: $220,000 - $250,000
About UsOur benefitsWe offer all employees a comprehensive benefits package that focuses on their whole wellbeing. This includes hybrid working, a competitive base salary, non-contributory 401k, discretionary bonus, insurances including medical, dental and vision cover, and many other benefits to enhance financial, physical, social and psychological health.
About CanopiusCanopius is a global specialty lines (re)insurer. We are one of the leading insurers in the Lloyd's of London insurance market with offices in the UK, US, Singapore, Australia and Bermuda.
At Canopius we foster a distinctive, positive culture which enables us to bring our whole selves to work to flourish as people, and build a business which delivers profitable, sustainable results.
Canopius operates a flexible, hybrid working model and is committed to providing an environment that challenges employees to be their best and where everyone's unique contributions are recognised, valued and respected.
We are fully committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are made regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion or beliefs, marital or caring status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage and welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds.
We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Please let us know if you require any information in an alternate format or any other reasonable adjustments.
