You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.
Officer position, the Legal Counsel will provide legal and regulatory support to the Canadian operations of CNA's Canadian Branch ("Branch" or "company") as sole regional counsel. The position will be responsible for the management and delivery of a broad range of legal and regulatory advice across the business and align policy in accordance with the company's strategic plans.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:
- Leads and directs the work activities of the legal department and has full management responsibility for the performance and development of subordinate staff in accordance with strategic direction.
- Provides research, legal analysis, counsel, opinion and guidance on legal and compliance questions or issues for the Branch operations.
- Works closely with the business to provide business solutions and resolve legal issues.
- Provides opinions and/or prepares position papers on legal issues and interpretation of contractual provisions.
- Reviews and/or drafts contracts and assists with negotiations, where required. Assists with the development and management of products and policy wordings in Canada as required. Monitors legal and regulatory developments, counsels' management regarding changes.
- Oversees and responds to government and regulatory agencies; advises and assists the business by liaising with OSFI and other regulators. Supervises preparation of ORSA for OSFI
- Manages external counsel handling corporate litigation and dispute resolution on behalf of the Branch. Assists with the management of external counsel and the management of legal expenses.
- Owns, implements and manages the policy framework to ensure compliance with insurance laws and regulations.
- Collaborates with the Global teams to review and deliver alignment of policies, processes, and leads business partners to improve operational effectiveness, customer service and quality while lowering expenses, and increasing profitability.
- Drives continuous improvements within scope of responsibility through initiatives involving people, processes and technology. Includes identifying emerging issues and trends.
- Acts as Compliance Officer and Privacy Officer for the Canadian Branch of CNA
- Acts as Assistant Corporate Secretary for the Branch. Responsible for all regulatory compliance (including financial)
- Represent Canada on Group ERM Committee with CFO
- Determines and executes on ERM policy and Framework along with the financial control framework for Canada.
- Is chairperson of local ERM committee
May perform additional duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationship
SVP, Chief Financial Officer Canada
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Experience working in or with the insurance industry in Canada
- Experience of OSFI rules and regulations and operating in a regulated environment
- Experience of policy wording review and product development would be an advantage Experience of managing an extensive and varied workload.
- Experience of liaising and working in a multi-jurisdictional environment
- Possesses a strategic focus, with the ability to translate business goals and strategies into specific objectives and action plans
- Track record of promoting a culture of collaboration across all levels of an organization
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to drive results by identifying and resolving problems within scope of responsibility.
- Advanced communication skills which are critical to building consensus across area of influence (external and/or internal relationships), team, and/or matrix environment.
- Ability to work successfully in a matrix reporting environment.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and other business-related software.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree with Master's preferred in related discipline, or equivalent.
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) in provinces outside of Quebec; Bachelor of Civil Law in Quebec
- Fifteen years of post-qualification experience in corporate insurance or financial services law in the Canadian market and be in good standing.
At CNA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job. If you require an accommodation during the hiring process or upon hire, please inform Human Resources. If a selected applicant requests accommodation during the recruitment process, CNA will consult with the applicant in order to provide suitable accommodation that takes into account the applicant's accessibility needs.
