Head of Legal and Compliance - Canada

Allianz Commercial; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance firm in Canada is seeking a Head of Legal and Compliance to provide strategic leadership and legal guidance. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in Canadian (re)insurance law, expertise in compliance programs, and strong communication skills. This role offers a hybrid work model and competitive compensation.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation and benefits

Bonus scheme

Career development opportunities

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to work autonomously in an international matrix organization.
• Experience with corporate and insurance supervisory law.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and guidance to various teams.
• Manage legal and compliance matters, assessing risks.
• Coordinate reporting to regulatory authorities.

Skills

Practical experience in Canadian (re)insurance law

Expertise in insurance law

Verbal and written communication skills

Client service focus

Ability to leverage AI tools

Education

Canadian Law Degree

Active membership in Ontario Bar Association

Job description

Overview

Head of Legal and Compliance - Canada at Allianz Commercial

We are looking for a senior legal and compliance leader to provide strategic and operational leadership for Canada. The role sits in the Legal and Compliance governance function and partners with senior business leaders to support objectives with robust legal and regulatory guidance across Canadian federal and provincial requirements and Allianz standards. The incumbent will lead governance of legal and compliance policies, assess risks, oversee processes related to policy adherence, and coordinate reporting to regulators, the Chief Agent, and Allianz Group areas.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Canada Leadership Team (CLT) and Canada Steering Committee (CSC); provide regional governance and strategic advice.
• Manage Canadian legal and compliance matters, identify and manage legal, reputational and regulatory risks, and act as primary regulatory interface.
• Provide legal support to Finance North America, Canada, and the Canada Operations Team.
• Coordinate with NA Legal & Compliance, Global L&C, and other Allianz Commercial L&C areas.
• Participate in oversight meetings and board reporting; support branch leadership and management as required.
• Offer day-to-day legal guidance to Canada branch staff and senior management, plus related support to Finance, Risk, Actuarial, IT, Internal Audit, Reinsurance and Procurement.
• Utilize Canadian law expertise in Claims, extra-contractual litigation and HR as needed.
• Oversee outsourced matters with external counsel in collaboration with NA Legal.
• Review, draft and negotiate contract activity (including broker, program and MGA contracts) ensuring compliance with applicable laws including OSFI guidelines.
• Oversee corporate maintenance, licenses and governance records; assess outsourced function performance (Risk, Actuarial, Accounting, Compliance Audit).
• Advise on Canadian product development, (re)insurance wordings and policy interpretations across lines of business, focusing on country-specific law.
• Support marketing and communications related to trademarks, advertising, brand and products.
• Monitor regulatory trends and changes; provide proactive guidance to LOBs and business units.
• Support regulatory audits, market conduct licensing, and regulatory filings.
• Act as Ombudsperson for AGRUS and Allianz Life; Chief Agent of the Allianz Life Canadian runoff operation.
• Represent the branch in industry associations and working groups as required.
• Lead risk management activities, including regulator data calls and surveys on climate and cyber risk.
• Organize compliance processes in Allianz Commercial Canada with Compliance NA and Global Compliance.
• Perform compliance activities and investigations per Global Head / Global Compliance guidelines; participate in Compliance meetings and reviews conducted by Compliance NA or Global Compliance.

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• Minimum 10 years of practical experience in Canadian (re)insurance law across multiple lines and contract law.
• Expert experience in insurance law across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience with Canada corporate law, insurance supervisory law, and implementation of compliance programs for Canada (re)insurance law.
• Ability to work autonomously in an international matrix organization; strong business acumen and client service focus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to build relationships across business units and with external partners.
• Ability to take initiative and resolve problems; ability to leverage AI tools to support day-to-day tasks and data-driven decisions.
• Canadian Law Degree and active membership in good standing of the Ontario Bar Association.

Compensation

The annualized base pay range for this role is $200,000 - $230,000. This range reflects nationwide market considerations. Actual salary will be determined by scope, complexity, location, and the candidate’s skills, education, credentials and experience. Base pay is part of the AzC total compensation package, including annual performance-based incentives and benefits.

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid working model with flexible arrangements; Allianz encourages discussions on flexible work.
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits, including a bonus scheme and pension, with location-based variations.
• Career development, digital learning, international mobility, and opportunities to grow within a supportive environment.
• Health and wellbeing benefits, including private healthcare and parental leave; support for career breaks and return-to-work programs.
• Programs aimed at sustainability and social impact within a diverse and inclusive culture.

Allianz is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. Diversity of thinking is part of our culture.

If you require adjustments during the application process, please email Allianz Commercial [e-mail].