Overview
We 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 achieve
Legal Leadership and Strategy
* Lead the team to fulfil the strategic mandate while providing legal guidance to the executive team
* Translate the business strategy and vision into tangible deliverables for the team
* Advise on legal aspects of company strategy, operations, and risk management within reinsurance
* Act as a key legal advisor on reinsurance transactions, contracts and business development initiatives
* Maintain a strong, collaborative network across CLRe’s global operations
* Support process improvement initiatives across all locations
Contracting and Transactions
* Ensure contracts preserve the company’s rights aligned with pricing and marketing objectives
* Collaborate with legal and treaty staff to address issues in existing contracts
* Develop new contracts with business development teams and prepare legal documents that bind business intentions
Legal and Compliance Team Leadership
* Communicate the company’s vision and values and guide team behaviours
* Enhance operational effectiveness with accountability and empowerment
* Manage a hybrid office environment with emphasis on leadership, communication, and in-person collaboration
* Oversee day-to-day operations and workload distribution
* Plan for long-term sustainability, including succession and resource planning
* Develop, mentor and coach team members
* Ensure strong fundamentals across the business and drive continuous improvement
* Challenge the status quo and streamline inefficiencies
* Oversee performance management and two-way feedback
* Manage international opportunities to support growth
* Manage and resolve legal disputes, litigation, and arbitration
* Act as primary point of contact for potential legal disputes
* Coordinate with Claims, Underwriting and Finance on legal/compliance matters
* Lead and manage external counsel relationships and determine when external advice is required
Governance and Risk
* Support the Board and executive team on corporate governance and legal risk
* Oversee corporate secretarial matters, board minutes, filings and records
* Identify and manage legal risks and develop mitigation strategies
* Promote a culture of compliance and ethics
Compliance
* Lead the Compliance Function for the Division in accordance with the mandate
* Oversee the Regulatory Compliance Management (RCM) Framework in line with OSFI Guideline E-13
* Monitor and assess RCM controls across operations
* Advise senior leadership on compliance matters, issues, controls effectiveness and regulatory trends
* Ensure compliance with relevant insurance, reinsurance, and financial regulations (e.g., Solvency II, sanctions, anti-bribery laws)
* Provide guidance to promote strong risk culture
* Manage regulator relationships and timely reporting
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align with Lifeco’s compliance strategy and risk appetite
* Ensure entities are licensed to enter contracts and that new jurisdictions are reviewed
* Ensure entity board meetings comply with governance processes
* Work with HR on compliance-related inquiries
Other
* Discharge duties as required by the Board
* Prepare and present concise management reporting for the Board and Committees
* Represent the business in third-party interactions with regulators and partners
* Represent CLRe at industry meetings where legal topics are discussed
What you will need to have / to be for success in the role
* Qualified solicitor or barrister
* Minimum 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 transactions
* Strong knowledge of financial services regulation (PRA/FCA/CBI) and US reinsurance regulation
* Excellent communication and networking skills
* Experience in a senior leadership role with clients and stakeholders
* Experience dealing with complex financial statements and risk management
* Analytical and quick information processing skills
* Experience in a regulated role and presenting at committee/Board level
* Experience leading a complex, multi-functional team in a matrix environment
* High emotional intelligence and self-awareness
* Strategic thinker who embraces diverse thought and challenges the status quo
* Creative and pragmatic problem solver with integrity and high ethical standards
* Tenacity, professional courage and the ability to push through challenges
* Influential, forward-thinking leader capable of driving sustainable change
* Drive business growth and resilience; stakeholder-focused
* Ability to develop high performing teams and build collaborative relationships
* Track record of delivering performance and value
About us
Canada 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.
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