Branch Operations Manager, Reinsurance

Location: Toronto, ON, CA

Do you bring a strategic mindset and the ability to balance big picture with hands-on execution? Are you comfortable co-creating solutions and driving problem solving with subject matter experts while applying your operational expertise to contribute to the overall success? Can you demonstrate strong leadership capability within a complex matrix organization, and effectively influence through relationships and authority beyond direct reporting lines?

The ideal candidate brings strong operational expertise in re/insurance, a proactive mindset and the ability to collaborate effectively across seniority levels and functions at both the Canadian Branch and Group levels. They will play a pivotal role in strengthening branch governance, optimizing operations and supporting operational transformation initiatives.

If this resonates with you, you may be the leader we're looking for to elevate our Canadian Branch Operations' capability to new heights!

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Branch Operations Manager (BOM) to join our dynamic team. As a key member of Canadian team, the BOM will work closely with operational and governance specialists and business stakeholders and will be accountable for driving branch governance and operational activities. The role also provides direct support to the CEO.

In this role, you will lead and oversee all governance activities and regulatory operational matters, ensuring compliance with OSFI guidelines and Company Group standards and policies.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and manage the branch’s operational strategy and framework, ensuring strong support to the CEO, Branch Management in fulfilling their relevant oversight responsibilities.
• Support the governance and operational oversight of the Canadian operating platform, including coordinating the implementation and continuous improvement of the Branch Governance Framework and managing associated committees and processes.
• Translate applicable local regulations into sustainable operational practices, working closely with relevant group functions and subject matter experts.
• Lead and enhance business continuity and resilience planning in compliance with OSFI Guideline E-13 and provide ongoing support to the local Incident Management Team.
• Develop and maintain operational policies, protocols, processes and guidelines in alignment with global standards; ensure timely execution of operational tasks, effective incident/issue remediation, and strong operational risk management, including training and guidance.
• Manage industry association memberships, including tracking, registration and administration of lobbying activities.
• Monitor regulatory developments in collaboration with Legal, Compliance and Risk Management; initiate and lead cross‑functional working groups to ensure timely and effective implementation of new regulatory requirements, in-line with Group and local policies and standards.
• Administer and oversee regulatory and compliance processes, including the branch compliance management tool, the annual compliance attestation cycle, and the remediation of identified control weaknesses.
• Maintain and manage branch controls related to re/insurance compliance, including responsibilities under OSFI Guideline E‑13, global compliance standards and the Risk Control Self‑Assessment (RCSA) framework.
• Oversee the outsourcing and third‑party risk management framework, ensuring compliance with OSFI Guideline B‑10 through effective due diligence, monitoring and control processes.
• Collaborate with the Regulatory Smart Circle (Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, Finance and Business Representatives) to support Branch Management’s oversight of operations and regulatory interactions with OSFI and provincial regulators.
• Engage regularly with key functions (e.g., Audit, Compliance, Finance, Governance, Legal, Risk Management, Tax and business owners) under the direction of the Head of Branch Operations and with guidance from senior operations experts.
• Prepare and deliver timely, comprehensive reports and updates to the CEO, Executive Team and Branch Management on operational processes, issues, RCSA and Control Risk Behaviour assessments, compliance matters, and regulatory initiatives.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the CEO, Location Head or Line Manager.

About the Team

Branch Operations is a dynamic team of forward-thinking professionals entrusted with a broad and diverse portfolio. Key is to ensure legal entity management. We serve as the connective tissue of the Branch, enabling success by fostering collaboration across functions, teams, and strategic initiatives. This is an exciting team for people who enjoy navigating ambiguity to shape new ideas and craft solutions to address complex opportunities and challenges. Team members are expected to be self-driven, adaptable, and skilled at working both independently and in partnership with stakeholders across the region and around the globe.

With team members based throughout Asia and Canada, we bring a truly global perspective to everything we do.

About You

• You have a strong understanding of the Canadian insurance/reinsurance/financial services industry.

• Bring over 8 years of proven expertise in end-to-end operations management, control processes and systems, process optimization, and regulatory implementation. You can connect governance and operational concepts and implement strategies to improve efficiency and performance. 
• Thrive in complex matrix environments, collaborating effectively across diverse teams and seniority levels.
• Build strong working relationships with senior management, stakeholders and employees at all levels, apply leadership 'authority' in a broader sense, lead through ambiguity, and demonstrate high personal integrity and sound judgment.
• Possess strong organizational, interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with the ability to lead, influence and negotiate effectively across functions and seniority levels.
• Combine strategic thinking with analytical acumen to understand business drivers, tailor solutions to minimize operational risks and execute effectively in a matrix environment. 
• Balance attention to detail with a big picture mindset, You are highly organized, methodical, analytical, and an exceptional problem-solver.
• Excels as both a collaborator and a delivery champion.  You can work both independently and within a team setting. You enjoy contributing to the broader organization on local and global business initiatives. You can execute and deliver on operational or transformational objectives and effectively utilize project management and organizational change management.

You are an outstanding communicator and a storyteller. You can advise senior management, provide guidance and convey messages to all levels of employees and stakeholders, and present and create presentation materials in PowerPoint or other software applications.

The base salary hiring range for this existing position located in Toronto is CAD $165,000 to $200,000. The specific base salary offered for this or any given role will take into account a number of factors including but not limited to job location, scope of role, qualifications, complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent, experience, education, and employer budget. At Swiss Re, we take a "total compensation approach" when making compensation decisions. This means that we consider all components of compensation in their totality (such as base pay, short-and long-term incentives, and benefits offered), in setting an individual compensation range.