Responsible for the administration and management of the City’s Insurance/Risk Management program by negotiating and managing insurance contracts and developing and implementing effective policies and procedures for risk identification, risk financing, risk mitigation, claim services and insurance policy management. Responsible for the management, coordination and supervision of the Risk Management and Claims staff.
At employee request, this position is eligible to take part in our hybrid work model as outlined in the City's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy.
Responsibilities
Insurance Administration and Claims Services • Responsible for overseeing the City’s insurance programs and claims management, including coordination with insurers, adjusters, legal counsel, and staff. Manages the annual renewal and accurate application process for three key insurance programs, ensuring timely distribution of updated documents (e.g., insurance certificates, liability cards) to departments. Coordinates property insurance valuations and inspections and evaluates operations to identify emerging risks and ensure adequate coverage, terms, and limits are in place.
Financial Management • Evaluates financial and risk impacts of insurance coverage, working with actuaries and finance staff to forecast insurance and claims expenditures. Monitors budget performance, identifies cost trends, and recommends strategies and future appropriations to mitigate rising costs and ensure fiscal responsibility.
Claim Services • Leads the management and processing of liability and insurable claims, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and timely resolution. Reviews trend data to improve service delivery, authorizes settlements within approval limits, and directs Claims Analysts in negotiations and legal coordination. Oversees claim workflows, liaises with legal counsel and Council staff, and develops strategic plans aligned with corporate goals and community needs.
Invest In our People • Assessing staffing needs, participating in hiring, and approving staff selections. It includes supervising staff, directing workflow related to risk and claims management, and overseeing investigations. The position also ensures efficient use of staff resources, reallocating workloads as needed to meet organizational goals.
Risk Management • Supporting senior management by identifying and managing risks to help prevent future losses. It involves working with other departments, reviewing contracts to spot potential risks, and suggesting ways to reduce them. The role also includes helping with insurance matters, overseeing risk training and education, and making sure insurance documents are accurate and processed on time. Additionally, it involves preparing reports, analyzing trends to improve risk practices, and visiting sites to check for physical risks.
Vendor Management • Oversees the performance of legal counsel and adjusters handling claims, ensuring quality service for both the city and the public. Working with claims service providers and vendors to improve systems, processes, and user experience. The role also manages user access and training for the claims system, monitors service quality, addresses service issues, and reviews and approves payments for related services.
Effective Service Delivery, Stakeholder Engagement & Continuous Improvement • Ensures effective service delivery by developing and updating risk management policies to meet regulatory requirements and by training staff to promote risk awareness. Represents the City in risk and insurance matters, working closely with other municipalities, departments, legal counsel, insurers, and regulatory bodies to integrate risk practices into operations. The role also supports continuous improvement by conducting research, analyzing data, preparing reports, and staying informed on industry trends and legal developments.
Qualifications and Experience
• Post-Secondary Degree in Public Administration (OR other similarly acceptable. i.e. Sociology, Policy, Finance). • Minimum of five (7) years' progressively responsible experience in insurance and risk management, including a minimum of three to five (3-5) years' management experience in a unionized environment. Knowledge of risk financing, risk control and claims management procedures. • Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) &/or Canadian Risk Management Designation (CRM) designation. • Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in strategic planning, change management design, process and implementation strategies to optimize quality and cost-effectiveness of delivery of business areas. · • Ability to conduct oneself in a manner bestowing tact and diplomacy in a political environment, and when dealing with sensitive/confidential or controversial topics. • Ability to inspire others to persist and strive for excellence, take measured risks and participate with enthusiasm during periods of complexity and/or change. • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and balance multiple responsibilities, shifting priorities, regular workflow interruptions while maintaining a positive attitude. • Excellent analytical, problem solving, interpersonal, communication and negotiation/mediation skills. • Ability to analyze issues and problems, evaluate alternative solutions and develop sound conclusions, recommendations and courses of action. • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and build cohesive and motivated teams; promote collaboration, team processes, learning and development opportunities for staff. • Proven ability to manage conflict, effectively problem solve, be capable of working under stressful conditions as well as possess organizational and analytical skills and abilities. • Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the City's core and leadership competencies as well as relevant departmental functional competencies. • A valid Ontario 'G' driver's license, in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for corporate use. • Ability to work outside normal business hours, as required.
Working Conditions • Work is predominantly office based. Site visits, as required.
Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Its emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement. Be part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan!
The City is an equal-opportunity employer and a forward-looking municipality that is committed to fostering a dynamic workplace that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. As an award-winning organization for its employment and diversity and inclusivity practices, the City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.
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