Manager, Claims - MGA

Sovereign Insurance; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 91,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Sovereign Insurance, a Canadian subsidiary, seeks a seasoned Manager, Claims - MGA to lead the national MGA Claims portfolio. You will provide technical and operational leadership, drive strategic initiatives, and mentor a high-performing team to deliver exceptional client service.

You will collaborate with Underwriting, Compliance, Risk Management, and other departments to strengthen governance, reporting, and efficiency in MGA operations, with a hybrid work posture requiring in-office presence

Qualifications

• CIP/FCIP designation is required.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive claims experience in MGA or delegated authority environments.
• Proven strategic leadership of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong decision-making, negotiation, and stakeholder management.
• Excellent analytical and business acumen with financial oversight experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all activities within the MGA Claims Department to ensure operational excellence.
• Manage end-to-end lifecycle of MGA-related claims including high-severity files.
• Recruit, coach, and develop a high-performing MGA Claims team.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to develop annual plans, budgets, and initiatives.
• Monitor expenses and maintain alignment with performance and service expectations.
• Foster strong partnerships with MGAs, brokers, and external partners.
• Represent Sovereign in mediations, trials, and industry events as needed.

Skills

10+ years of claims experience

Leadership & people management

Strategic planning

Communication & negotiation

Analytical mindset

Education

CIP/FCIP designation

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

The Opportunity:

At Sovereign Insurance, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Co-operators General Insurance Company, we believe leadership is shaped by purpose, collaboration, and meaningful contribution. When you grow, we grow — your success crowns ours.

We value diverse perspectives, bold ideas, and people who lift others up. Here, your initiative matters, and your efforts help build the resilience of the Canadian businesses and communities we serve.

That shared commitment strengthens our culture and moves us forward — together. That’s the Crown Effect.

As a key leader within the Claims Department, the Manager, Claims - MGA plays a critical role in overseeing and directing the activities of Sovereign’s national Managing General Agent (MGA) claims portfolio. This role provides technical and operational leadership to ensure claims are managed effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with Sovereign’s quality standards, policies, and corporate philosophies. The Manager, Claims - MGA supports strategic goals, ensures compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements, and leads a high-performing team committed to delivering exceptional client service, maintaining effective partnerships with MGAs, and upholding Sovereign’s strong reputation in the marketplace.

How you will create impact:

• Lead and oversee all activities within the MGA Claims Department to ensure effective operations, technical excellence, and adherence to Sovereign’s policies, quality standards, and delegated authority agreements.
• Manage the full lifecycle of MGA-related claims, providing oversight, technical direction, and expert guidance on complex and high-severity files to support timely and equitable resolutions.
• Recruit, coach, and develop a team of MGA Claims professionals, fostering engagement, accountability, and continuous professional growth through regular feedback, performance reviews, and mentorship.
• Collaborate with the Sovereign Senior Claims Manager, and other senior leaders to develop and execute annual business plans, budgets, and strategic initiatives that strengthen MGA partnerships and operational efficiency.
• Maintain financial oversight of the MGA Claims portfolio by monitoring claim expenses, ensuring cost control, and maintaining alignment with performance and service expectations.
• Partner cross-functionally with Underwriting, Compliance, Risk Management, and other departments to enhance claims governance, reporting accuracy, and consistency across MGA operations.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with MGAs, brokers, legal counsel, adjusters, and other key partners to ensure transparent communication, collaboration, and effective claims resolution.
• Represent Sovereign in mediations, trials, and industry events, exercising sound judgment and promoting the organization’s reputation for professionalism, collaboration, and technical expertise as required.

How you will succeed:

• You thrive on delivering our exceptional client experience through positive and engaging relationships; embracing accountability to achieve effective results.
• You ensure your day-to-day actions are in harmony with the company’s purpose, vision, and values even when challenged.
• You will support and guide others through changing conditions and encourage the exploration of new opportunities or innovations.
• You value and encourage others to have cooperative and collaborative dialogue because diverse perspectives offer more creative and productive solutions.

To join our team:

• Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) or Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) designation required.
• 10 + years of progressive claims experience within a multi-line environment; technical knowledge of commercial handling within MGA and delegated authority environments considered an asset.
• Proven strategic leadership and operational management experience, including oversight of complex claims portfolios and third-party relationships.
• Strong decision-making skills with demonstrated ability to manage high severity claims and mentor others in technical and strategic decision-making.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build trust across all levels of the organization and external partners.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities with sound business acumen.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Strong financial and operational management skills, including expense control, audit management, and performance measurement.
• In-depth understanding of MGA structures, delegated authority models, and evolving industry trends within the commercial insurance landscape considered an asset.

What you need to know:

• You will be subject to a Background check as a condition of employment, in the event you are the successful candidate.
• Detail oriented work that requires a high degree of mental concentration for extended periods of time.
• This position will operate on a hybrid work posture which will require an in-office presence of at least twice a week.
• You will handle sensitive information where a high degree of confidentiality and discretion is required.
• As a leader, strict confidentiality is required with respect to sensitive matters and employees’ personal information.

What’s in it for you?

• Room to grow with confidence — build your career, contribute your ideas, and see the impact of your work.
• A culture that values you — inclusive, collaborative, and respectful, where different perspectives are encouraged and heard.
• Rewards that recognize you and the work you do - competitive salary and variable compensation, benefits and pension, paid time off, development and recognition programs.
• Support for your well-being — a holistic approach to physical, mental, social, and financial wellness.
• Pride in purpose — being part of a Canadian organization dedicated to protecting Canadian businesses and the communities they serve while giving back through volunteering, donations, and national initiatives that help build a more sustainable future.

Expected salary/hourly range $91,058 - $141,000+

The salary amount for the successful candidate is determined by Sovereign in its discretion and will vary depending on several criteria including but not limited to: local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualification, experience and education.

Employees may also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn additional compensation tied to individual and/or business performance, or other business metrics.