Head of Claims, Vave

Canopius

  • Chicago, IL
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
Job Category: ClaimsJob Description:The RoleThe Head of Vave Claims will lead the creation, launch, and long-term success of a new Vave claims function from the ground up, delivering a market-leading, efficient, and strategically aligned claims capability. This person will oversee the development of infrastructure, people, processes, and technology to support the claims needs of the company.This role combines visionary leadership, claims operations expertise, and strategic execution in a startup environment where this person will create operational structure, culture and vision.This person will be expected to demonstrate solid leadership, work collaboratively with other members of the leadership team to support and drive delivery of the business unit's objectives. As a key member of the Executive Committee and a global claims leader, this individual will drive collaboration across underwriting, finance, actuarial, risk, and operations to build a best-in-class claims operation.ResponsibilitiesBuild and Launch US Claims OperationDesign and implement a comprehensive claims operating model, including internal teams, systems, processes, governance, and reporting.Lead the selection and implementation of technology platforms that align with the operating model.Establish claims protocols, workflows, authority structures, and escalation pathways aligned with the company claims vision.Recruit, onboard, and train a high-performing claims team aligned with the company culture and operating model.Strategic and Operational Claims OversightDevelop and deliver the claims strategy in line with business objectives and goals.Oversee the performance and integrity of claims operations, ensuring compliant operations, positive customer engagements, proper reserving protocols, accurate and timely payments, and complaint resolution processes.Monitor KPI's, claims leakage, expense ratios, and data/analytics to identify trends or areas of underperformance.Leadership and CollaborationPartner with the senior business leaders to align claims operations with underwriting growth and profitability goals.Engage with both UK and US based claims counterparts to maintain consistency, share knowledge, and enhance group-level capabilities.Serve as a thought leader in the Executive Committee, contributing beyond claims to the broader success of the regional business.Regulatory, Vendor, and Delegated OversightEnsure compliance with all US regulatory obligations, claims industry best practices and company guidelines.Oversee and manage outsourced claims functions and vendor relationships, ensuring SLA compliance and operational alignment.Maintain effective control over delegated claims authority.Financial ManagementOwn and manage the claims budget; ensure efficient use of resources and identify opportunities to optimize claims processes.Monitor claims-related cost drivers and employ expense and indemnity controls where appropriate.External Relationships and Market EngagementBuild and maintain strong working relationships with key external stakeholders including vendor partners, agents/brokers, and policyholders.Represent the company in industry conferences, discussion forums, and engaging as a brand ambassador.Culture, Talent, and InnovationFoster a culture of accountability, empowerment, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.Identify skill gaps, develop training plans, and support ongoing development of the claims team.Drive innovation by continually evaluating and enhancing processes, technologies, and customer experience.Qualifications
  • Extensive Claims Leadership: 15+ years in senior property & casualty roles, including oversight of complex commercial and personal lines.
  • Claims Operations Expertise: Hands-on experience in building or transforming claims operations from the ground up and in a fast-paced environment.
  • Regulatory and Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of U.S. insurance regulations, best practices in claims handling, and reserving principles.
  • Strategic Leadership: Ability to design and implement claims strategies aligned with broader business objectives.
  • Execution-Oriented: Skilled in converting vision into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.
  • Claims Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with modern claims platforms, reporting tools, and ancillary systems.
  • Global and Cross-Functional Influence: Proven ability to lead and influence in complex and multinational environments.
  • Innovation and Change Leadership: Comfortable driving organizational transformation and adopting emerging technologies.
  • Communication and Change Management: Strong communicator with strategic insight and the ability to manage and inspire through change.
Salary Range: $220,000 - $250,000Our benefits
We offer all employees a comprehensive benefits package that focuses on their whole wellbeing. This includes hybrid working, a competitive base salary, non-contributory 401k, discretionary bonus, insurances including medical, dental and vision cover, and many other benefits to enhance financial, physical, social and psychological health.The CompanyAt Vave we take the centuries old underwriting industry into the age of data and cloud computing by replacing traditional processes with frictionless real-time pricing, dynamic risk selection and portfolio optimization. We use the most up to date tech, leverage vast amounts of internal and external data and in-house developed algorithms. We are digital from the start and are not constrained by legacy systems and processes. We invest heavily in data science and new data sources to develop unique insights and algorithms powering our proprietary API-first underwriting platform.Our product focus is US property, and natural catastrophe modelling is our home turf. Since beginning trading in 2019 we delivered 4 products to market and have algorithmically written over half a billion US Dollars of premium. We are continuously evolving and creating new opportunities to scale and innovate, and are now expanding our team to support the next round of growth. This is an amazing opportunity to join a dynamic fast-growing business.

Canopius