OverviewWe are seeking an experienced, strategic and commercially minded Head of Legal to lead and manage the legal function of our reinsurance operations at Canada Life Reinsurance (CLRe).This is a senior leadership role responsible for providing legal advice across all areas of the business, managing legal risk and supporting strategic initiatives, transactions and corporate governance matters. The successful candidate will advise the executive team and interface with regulators, clients, opposing counsel and other stakeholders. The Head of Legal will lead a global team to support revenue generation, operational effectiveness and talent management at CLRe, reporting to the CEO of CLRe with dotted line reporting to the SVP Global Corporate Transactions. The role may be based in Ireland, Canada or the U.S. and involves international travel.What you will help us to achieve includes legal leadership, strategy, contracting and transactions, governance and risk, compliance, and broader leadership responsibilities across a hybrid work environment.What you will help us to achieveLegal Leadership and StrategyLead the team to fulfil the strategic mandate while providing legal guidance to the executive teamTranslate the business strategy and vision into tangible deliverables for the teamAdvise on legal aspects of company strategy, operations, and risk management within reinsuranceAct as a key legal advisor on reinsurance transactions, contracts and business development initiativesMaintain a strong, collaborative network across CLRe’s global operationsSupport process improvement initiatives across all locationsContracting and TransactionsEnsure contracts preserve the company’s rights aligned with pricing and marketing objectivesCollaborate with legal and treaty staff to address issues in existing contractsDevelop new contracts with business development teams and prepare legal documents that bind business intentionsLegal and Compliance Team LeadershipCommunicate the company’s vision and values and guide team behavioursEnhance operational effectiveness with accountability and empowermentManage a hybrid office environment with emphasis on leadership, communication, and in-person collaborationOversee day-to-day operations and workload distributionPlan for long-term sustainability, including succession and resource planningDevelop, mentor and coach team membersEnsure strong fundamentals across the business and drive continuous improvementChallenge the status quo and streamline inefficienciesOversee performance management and two-way feedbackManage international opportunities to support growthManage and resolve legal disputes, litigation, and arbitrationAct as primary point of contact for potential legal disputesCoordinate with Claims, Underwriting and Finance on legal/compliance mattersLead and manage external counsel relationships and determine when external advice is requiredGovernance and RiskSupport the Board and executive team on corporate governance and legal riskOversee corporate secretarial matters, board minutes, filings and recordsIdentify and manage legal risks and develop mitigation strategiesPromote a culture of compliance and ethicsComplianceLead the Compliance Function for the Division in accordance with the mandateOversee the Regulatory Compliance Management (RCM) Framework in line with OSFI Guideline E-13Monitor and assess RCM controls across operationsAdvise senior leadership on compliance matters, issues, controls effectiveness and regulatory trendsEnsure compliance with relevant insurance, reinsurance, and financial regulations (e.g., Solvency II, sanctions, anti-bribery laws)Provide guidance to promote strong risk cultureManage regulator relationships and timely reportingCollaborate with internal stakeholders to align with Lifeco’s compliance strategy and risk appetiteEnsure entities are licensed to enter contracts and that new jurisdictions are reviewedEnsure entity board meetings comply with governance processesWork with HR on compliance-related inquiriesOtherDischarge duties as required by the BoardPrepare and present concise management reporting for the Board and CommitteesRepresent the business in third-party interactions with regulators and partnersRepresent CLRe at industry meetings where legal topics are discussedWhat you will need to have / to be for success in the roleQualified solicitor or barristerMinimum of 15 years PQE in financial services (life assurance, pensions or reinsurance), ideally international experience (reinsurance preferred)Experience in M&A, structured financing and asset transactionsStrong knowledge of financial services regulation (PRA/FCA/CBI) and US reinsurance regulationExcellent communication and networking skillsExperience in a senior leadership role with clients and stakeholdersExperience dealing with complex financial statements and risk managementAnalytical and quick information processing skillsExperience in a regulated role and presenting at committee/Board levelExperience leading a complex, multi-functional team in a matrix environmentHigh emotional intelligence and self-awarenessStrategic thinker who embraces diverse thought and challenges the status quoCreative and pragmatic problem solver with integrity and high ethical standardsTenacity, professional courage and the ability to push through challengesInfluential, forward-thinking leader capable of driving sustainable changeDrive business growth and resilience; stakeholder-focusedAbility to develop high performing teams and build collaborative relationshipsTrack record of delivering performance and valueAbout usCanada Life Reinsurance (CLRe) is a division of Great-West Lifeco Inc. and offers reinsurance solutions globally. CLRe aims to expand its reinsurance offerings across markets.The company reserves the right to shortlist and notes that unsolicited CVs from agencies will not be accepted. If accommodations are required during the recruitment process, please contact Lifecareers@irishlife.ie. CLGS supports Equal Opportunity and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
#J-18808-Ljbffr