Job Posting: Vice President, Operations

Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company; Ayr; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Plan (employer-matching)

Group Health Benefits Plan with Health

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company is seeking a Vice President, Operations to provide direct operational leadership across Underwriting, Claims & Loss Prevention, Agent Distribution, and Broker Distribution. The role drives operational excellence, service delivery, and achievement of business objectives while fostering collaboration and growth.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the VPO will translate strategy into execution, guide performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead

Qualifications

• Significant progressive leadership experience in property and casualty insurance.
• Strong knowledge of underwriting, claims, and loss prevention.
• Experience with Agent and/or Broker distribution models is an asset.
• Ability to translate strategy into operational plans and lead through change.
• Financial acumen with budget oversight and expense management.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• CIP/FCIP or equivalent designation an asset.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel 10–15%.

Responsibilities

• Lead with purpose across Underwriting & Administration, Claims & Loss Prevention, Agent Distribution, and Broker Distribution.
• Establish priorities, standards, and performance expectations aligned with AFM's strategic objectives.
• Monitor operational performance to support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the COO on distribution strategy, channel development, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure all operational areas meet regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Lead, develop, and support succession planning for operational teams.
• Participate in strategic planning and lead change management initiatives.
• Monitor and report operational results to senior leadership and the Board.

Skills

Leadership experience

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Travel willingness

Education

CIP/FCIP or equivalent designation (asset)

Job description

Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company is seeking a Vice President, Operations

About The Position

Vice President, Operations

Supporting AFM's purpose to care for and support our members and communities to thrive, the Vice President, Operations (VPO) provides direct operational leadership for Underwriting, Claims & Loss Prevention, Agent Distribution, and Broker Distribution. This role ensures operational excellence, superior service delivery, and achievement of business objectives across all core operational functions while nurturing a culture of collaboration, connection, and continuous growth. The VPO translates strategic direction into operational execution, empowers teams through performance management, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters continuous improvement in service delivery.

Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President, Operations contributes to strategic planning, organizational development, and change management initiatives with a strong focus on developing talent and building organizational capability. The position serves as the primary operational leader responsible for day-to-day excellence, resource optimization, connection and operational integration across the organization's policyholder-facing functions.

Positions available: 1

Why Choose Ayr Farmers Mutual?

• Together, we care for and support our members and communities to thrive.
• The opportunity to work with a reputable company that cares about our People, our Policyholders and the Communities we serve.
• We offer a supportive learning environment.
• We invest in your growth and celebrate your achievements.
• You’ll be part of a company with 130+ years of stability and local roots.
• Competitive employer-matching Pension Plan.
• Employer-paid Group Healthcare Benefits Plan, including a Health Care Spending Account.
• We offer a hybrid working environment.

Responsibilities

Learn More About Our Company

• Lead with purpose. Championing Ayr Farmers Mutual’s purpose and values, fostering a culture of service excellence, collaboration, and care across all operational teams.
• Lead day-to-day operations across Underwriting & Administration, Claims & Loss Prevention, Agent Distribution, and Broker Distribution.
• Establish priorities, standards, and performance expectations aligned with AFM's strategic objectives.
• Monitor operational performance through key strategic objectives to proactively support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer on distribution strategy, channel development, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure all operational areas meet regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Lead, develop, and support succession planning for operational teams.
• Participate in strategic planning and lead change management initiatives.
• Monitor and report operational results to senior leadership and the Board as required.

Skills & Experience

• Significant progressive leadership experience in the property and casualty insurance industry.
• Strong working knowledge of underwriting, claims, and loss prevention.
• Experience with Agent and/or Broker distribution models, an asset.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into operational plans and lead through change.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget oversight and expense management.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across internal and external stakeholders.
• CIP, FCIP, or equivalent designation an asset.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel approximately 10–15% of the time.

About Ayr Farmers Mutual

Ayr Farmers Mutual is a financially strong, Policyholder owned and progressive property and casualty mutual insurer with written premiums of over $60 million annually. We offer farm, residential, commercial, marine, and automobile protection, and coverage through a dedicated network of Agents and Brokers. We service the Southwestern Ontario region, and are located in close proximity to Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.

Since 1893, the knowledgeable and caring team members of Ayr Farmers Mutual have been providing products and services that provide protection and peace of mind for our Policyholders and the community.

What makes us different is our commitment to providing outstanding, personalized customer service.

We continually strive to put our Policyholders and our communities first, and to ensure that every individual we serve is treated with fairness and respect.

Ayr Farmers Mutual provides training, education, work life balance, wellness opportunities, community contributions and a fun and friendly working environment.

Our team is proud of our culture. We live by our core values and genuinely care for one another and our Policyholders. We celebrate our successes and have a supportive work environment that encourages everyone to be their best. Together, we care for and support our members and community to thrive!

Accommodation at Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Human Resources will work with the applicant and the selection committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.