Claims Specialist

Cowan Insurance Group; Brantford; Hybrid; CAD 50,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working environment

Company-paid training and development

Retirement Savings Plan

Benefits plan on day one

Job summary

Cowan Insurance Group is seeking a Claims Specialist to join our Claims team in Brantford, Ontario. You will guide clients through the claims process, advocate on their behalf, and coordinate with insurers, adjusters and internal teams to achieve fair, timely outcomes.

You will leverage knowledge of personal and commercial lines, property and auto/liability policies, to communicate clearly, manage complex files, and support the Claims Manager with technical guidance and training.

Qualifications

• Must have RIBO license or ability to obtain
• Minimum 5 years insurance experience, preferably claims
• Strong knowledge of Personal and Commercial property, auto & liability policies
• Ability to interpret policy wordings and explain clearly

Responsibilities

• Guide clients through the claims process and advocate on their behalf
• Serve as primary claims contact for clients, insurers, adjusters and service teams
• Manage a varied portfolio of claims including complex or high-severity matters
• Explain policy coverage, deductibles and timelines in plain language
• Monitor activity and maintain regular client communication with stakeholders
• Contribute to process improvements and training, ensuring standardised claims service

Skills

Leadership

Client advocacy

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

Conflict resolution

Relationship building

Portfolio management

Education

High School or equivalent

Post-secondary education asset

CAIB or CIP designation

Tools

Claims management system

Job description

Cowan Insurance Group is looking for a Claims Specialist to join our Claims team!

This role is reporting to the Manager, Claims. In this role, you will guide clients through the claims process, advocate on their behalf, and work closely with insurers, adjusters and other internal service and sales teams to support fair, timely, and well-communicated outcomes. You are knowledgeable in the personal and commercial lines insurance industry with policies, products and customer service.

What you will do:

• Work with the claims staff, sales & service team, clients, carriers and other stakeholders to ensure a positive outcome for those involved
• Serve as the primary claims contact, providing timely, professional, and empathetic guidance throughout the claims lifecycle
• Manage a varied portfolio of claims, including complex, sensitive, high-severity, and escalated matters
• Explain policy coverage, deductibles, documentation requirements, timelines, and next steps in clear, practical language
• Advocate for clients when claim issues arise, challenging the insurer on decisions when necessary
• Monitor claim activity, maintain regular communication with clients, and follow up with insurers, adjusters, legal counsel, restoration firms, and other service providers as appropriate
• Contribute to process improvements, training, and the consistent application of claims service standards
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation in the claims management system in accordance with internal standards, privacy obligations, and regulatory requirements
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and peer support to Claims Representatives and other team members and contribute to training and knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Support the Manager, Claims in a technical capacity and other duties as assigned

What you will bring:

• RIBO License is required or the ability to obtain
• A minimum of 5 years experience in insurance, preferably with a claims background
• High School or equivalent, post-secondary education is considered an asset
• In depth knowledge of Personal and Commercial property, auto & liability policies including complex coverages such as Directors & Officers and Errors & Omissions Liability
• Superior leadership skills with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels are essential
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment while handling large and complex files
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective relationships with clients, insurers, adjusters, legal counsel, vendors, and internal business partners
• Ability to interpret policy wordings and explain in plain language
• Highly developed customer service & communication skills, with the ability to explain complex matters clearly and respectfully
• Strong organizational and portfolio-management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and service commitments
• Critical thinker with strong client advocacy, negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to host training sessions for staff is an asset
• CAIB or CIP designation (or working towards) would be an asset

Who we are:

Proudly independent and Canadian-owned, Cowan Insurance Group has been a true market leader in the insurance industry since 1927. With an extensive range of product offerings and integrated commercial and personal insurance, group benefits, and wealth management solutions, we provide our clients with outstanding customized, comprehensive insurance and risk management professional advice and placement.

Recognized as one of Canada's Most Admired Cultures and a Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club Member, Cowan Insurance Group's award-winning client-centric approach emphasizes innovation, excellence, and collaboration. Join our team as we prepare for our centennial celebration in 2027!

What sets us apart?

Integrity matters. It drives our award-winning workplace culture and fuels our collective desire to help our clients, employees, and communities thrive.

Challenge your thinking

You're valued for your passion, drive and creativity. The pace is fast, but the work is meaningful, interesting, and complex, just the way you like it.

Grow together

We believe in your potential. If you’re looking to develop your expertise with learning opportunities and mentoring, we’ll make that happen.

Benefits and perks

• Participate in our comprehensive benefits plan on day one — no waiting period
• Company-matched Retirement Savings Plan
• Company-paid training and development courses
• Community involvement
• Hybrid working environment

This is a new position.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Cowan Insurance Group does not use AI directly; however, platforms we partner with may use AI, including screening for keywords and minimum qualifications. Our human recruiters review candidate’s qualifications prior to decisions being made.

This position is subject to appropriate background checks that may include, credentials, employment, credit, criminal and reference checks.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, we will contact only those selected for interviews. If you are an applicant with disabilities and require accommodations, please let us know at the time of our contact so that we may arrange for their provision.

The expected base salary range for this role is $50,100 to $74,000. Final compensation may vary and will take into account factors including relevant experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge and internal equity.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will be selected strictly on the basis of an individual's technical qualifications, knowledge and experience, as they relate to the requirements of a particular position. Selections will be made without regard to: age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, record of offences, sex, or sexual orientation.