Strategy Lead, Claims

Zurich; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global insurance provider is seeking a Claims Strategy Lead in Toronto. This role entails driving strategic initiatives across the claim organization, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Working closely with IT and business stakeholders, you'll guide operational improvements and optimize technology solutions. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and significant experience in claims or consulting, combined with skills in project leadership and relationship building. Enjoy a collaborative hybrid work model and competitive salary.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits plan

Four weeks of vacation

Personal days

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of experience in Claims, Consulting, Risk Engineering, or Underwriting.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7+ years of experience in similar fields.
• Experience in Organizational Effectiveness or Change Management.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals.
• Lead end-to-end project delivery, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
• Drive accountability across cross-functional teams.

Skills

Claims strategy

Project leadership

Operational improvement

Relationship-building

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

High School Diploma

Tools

Guidewire ClaimCenter

Job description

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values‑driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

If you have experience in claims strategy, project leadership, and operational improvement and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a Claims Strategy Lead to drive strategic initiatives across the claim’s organization, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational excellence.

Reporting to the Strategy Business Partner Manager, you will shape and execute the claims strategy, serve as a trusted advisor to business units, and lead the delivery of innovative technology solutions in collaboration with IT and business stakeholders. You will champion best practices in project and initiative delivery, build strong relationships across the business, and guide operational improvement efforts, with a particular focus on optimizing Guidewire ClaimCenter utilization.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence‑enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in‑person presence, which may include time in the office or market‑facing engagements.

What you will do

• Define and execute strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals.
• Apply deep functional knowledge to assess business needs and design effective solutions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business units, ensuring strategic priorities are understood and implemented.
• Lead end‑to‑end project delivery, from planning through execution, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
• Drive accountability across cross‑functional teams.
• Champion best practices in project/initiative delivery and reporting.
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders, business users, and IT teams.
• Facilitate clear communication and alignment between business and technology stakeholders.
• Partner with IT to design and implement technology solutions that enhance operational performance.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and lead initiatives to optimize workflows.
• Utilize knowledge of Guidewire ClaimCenter to support business users in claims management.
• Provide insights to improve system utilization and operational efficiency.

Job Qualifications – What you bring to the table

Qualifications may include one of the following paths:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5 or more years of experience in Claims, Consulting, Risk Engineering, or Underwriting
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in Claims, Consulting, Risk Engineering, or Underwriting
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice, including an Associate Degree, and 5 or more years of experience in Claims, Consulting, Risk Engineering, or Underwriting

AND

• Experience in Organizational Effectiveness or Change Management
• Experience in the application of existing and/or change management methodologies and tools
• Project management experience

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree and previous experience in commercial insurance claims management, operations, and business analysis
• Project management experience
• Hands‑on experience in Guidewire ClaimCenter platform
• Experience in process improvement and operational efficiency projects
• Excellent planning, organizational, and delivery skills
• Exceptional relationship‑building and influencing skills with senior management, business users, and IT teams
• Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving abilities

At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $131,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate’s skills and experience.

Our Culture

• At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
• We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.
• We care about our employees’ well‑being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.
• We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.
• We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.
• We are committed to continuous improvement and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.
• We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.
• We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5‑Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi‑line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid‑sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 650 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in‑depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com

A Future with Zurich

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 148 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. We are a leading provider of commercial property‑casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. Today, we serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology and insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, Zurich strives to provide ongoing career development opportunities and foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our people, our customers and the communities we serve.

Recruitment and Accommodations

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich Canadian Holdings Limited. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission.

Only applicable for Canada: For Zurich Canada’s commitment to diversity and accessibility please click here. If you would prefer to not receive future electronic messages from Zurich Insurance Company Ltd’s recruitment management system, please email your request to have your job profile deleted from the system by clicking here. Zurich Insurance Company Ltd 100 King St., W., Suite 5500, Toronto, ON, M5X 1C9. www.zurichcanada.com