Manager, Insurance and Risk Management

About Us

At Service Nova Scotia, we impact every citizen, business and municipality and business in Nova Scotia. Our mandate is to design and deliver programs and services to meet the needs of our clients and the public good through a culture of excellence.  Our vision is to be a recognized leader in service and public protection that delivers trusted, accessible, modern programs, and contributes to Nova Scotia as a safe and desirable place to live, work and do business. To learn more about our Department, please click on the following link: Department of Service Nova Scotia - Government of Nova Scotia

About Our Opportunity

As the Manager, Insurance and Risk Management, you are responsible for the effective delivery of the insurance portfolio and risk management program for the Province. In addition, you oversee the management of a team of professionals administering the program, while ensuring program and service objectives of the Insurance and Risk Management division are met.  The Insurance and Risk Management program provides support through direction, planning, evaluation, implementation of risk and insurance products and advice. 

You will also ensure that risk and insurance services, such as risk management, claims management, insurance policies/programs and contractual liabilities are provided to all government departments, agencies, boards, commissions, insurers, and other stakeholders. Leveraging your broad knowledge of legislation, regulations, standards, guidelines, and best practices, you will align the Insurance and Risk Management programs with government objectives.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you are responsible for:

• Ensuring effective financial resource management by monitoring revenues and expenditures, adhering to procurement guidelines, acquiring goods and services in the most cost-effective manner, and accurately forecasting budget requirements.
• Providing leadership regarding the overall delivery of Government’s insurance program, including first and third-party claims for all lines of insurance.
• Ensuring that the unit’s technical staff handles claims efficiently and effectively based on the program policies and related legislation and will provide interpretation of policies and legislation when required.
• Reviewing and adjudicating appeals filed by the public and direct as necessary, the investigation process as well as decision making regarding the payment or denial of all potential claims, and reserving practices.
• Adjudicating large claims which may be sensitive, complex, or catastrophic in nature. 
• Attending settlement conferences with legal council to oversee claim negotiations. 
• Developing and implementing operational strategies, plans and objectives for the Insurance and Risk Management Unit by identifying opportunities and contributing to the continuous operational improvements of claims, contractual liability and insurance processes and guidelines.
• Providing ongoing counsel to senior management on proactive cost/expense and risk mitigation and settlement strategies.
• Developing and implementing of training seminars and conferences on risk management, and contractual liability in consideration of federal/provincial acts and regulations with the goal of empowering these departments to conduct their own risk assessments to the develop their own risk exposure mitigation strategies.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you have extensive experience, and knowledge in the principles of management, public and business administration, and their application to the administration of government activities. The Insurance Institute of Canada’s recognised Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation is required. 

The Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation would be considered an asset.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are Decisiveness, Strategic Orientation, Developing Others, Team Leadership, Self-Awareness and Personal Impact, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation. Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

Work will be completed in a comfortable office setting. 

This is a Term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of November 17, 2025.

The successful candidate shall have and maintain a valid class 5 driver’s license and provide a current drivers’ abstract as well as a criminal records check before hire.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus