Head of Claims

Job Description

Location: Sydney CBD

Role Highlights: A career-defining opportunity to take strategic ownership of claims within a respected, purpose driven carrier. This is a mandate to professionalise an already capable function, build external presence, and position claims as a genuine competitive differentiator with a clear trajectory toward a broader executive remit.

Role Overview

Our client is a specialist carrier operating in a niche and purpose-driven sector. With a growing team, a strong reinsurance panel and a high profile portfolio of claims across complex property, casualty, class action and professional indemnity exposures – the business is ready to invest in dedicated claims leadership.

Following a period of structural evolution, the organisation has made the decision to appoint a standalone Head of Claims: a new, senior leadership role that will report directly to the CEO. You will line-manage an experienced team with deep institutional knowledge and take ownership of the full claims function from strategic oversight and delegated authority frameworks to external representation and industry engagement.

Responsibilities

• Take strategic ownership of the claims portfolio, including trend analysis, reporting and insights across a diverse product suite
• Develop, embed and maintain delegated authority frameworks and claims guidelines
• Manage external panels including loss adjusters, solicitors and legal support; negotiating rates and ensuring service standards
• Represent the organisation externally presenting at industry conferences, seminars and events whilst producing case studies and thought leadership
• Lead, mentor and develop technical specialists, providing coaching and structure that enhances both technical performance and customer-facing communication

Candidate Profile

You will be a technically excellent claims professional with a background in leading a portfolio rather than purely managing a team of handlers. You will have genuine market presence, a passion for the craft of claims, and the communication skills to translate complex matters into narratives that resonate with customers, reinsurers and industry peers.

You will bring:

• 10 – 15 years of claims experience with a track record of leading a complex property or casualty portfolios independently
• A background within a General Insurer, Mutual or Underwriting Agency. Broker-side experience alone will not be sufficient
• Proven experience in complex claims, with exposure to natural catastrophe and fire-based matters or complex litigation
• Confidence presenting to senior stakeholders, writing thought leadership, and engaging with members and reinsurers at a credible level
• ANZIIF qualification or relevant Business Degree preferred; legal background advantageous

Culture & Benefits

This organisation operates with a genuinely open, collegiate and collaborative culture where information flows freely, and silo thinking is actively discouraged. The work is meaningful with the claims function being considered the ultimate promise to customers, and this role exists to make that promise exceptional.

• Flexible hybrid working; part-time arrangements considered for the right candidate
• A genuine growth trajectory – the role has a credible pathway toward a broader executive mandate and broader focus
• A small, expert team where your voice matters and your contribution is visible from day one

Apply

If this sounds like you, please send your resume by clicking the “apply” link below. The reference number for this role is JA70388. Please allow for 3–5 working days for us to process all the applications. All applicants will receive feedback from us, either via email or a telephone call.