Senior Surety Claims Counsel OR Senior Surety Claims Expert

Department: Global Risk, Surety Claims

Location: Toronto, ON

Reports To: Regional Vice President, Global Surety Claims (Canada)

Company Overview:

Liberty Mutual Canada is the Canadian operation of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. We offer a broad suite of commercial insurance products and solutions to mid-size and large Canadian companies with Canadian, North American and/or multinational risks. Liberty Mutual Canada has over 350 employees and services its clients coast-to-coast from our regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax.

Global Surety, a business unit of Liberty Mutual Insurance, is the #1 Surety in the United States and the largest globally. Conducting business worldwide through fronting relationships and Liberty-owned subsidiaries, we provide bonds in over 60 countries for construction firms, manufacturers and suppliers, and commercial enterprises on an account and transactional basis. We are committed to building mutually profitable relationships by providing smart business solutions, ease of doing business, and consistent, responsive service.  Global Surety is dedicated to the communities we serve and highly values a diverse workforce in more than 16 countries.

At Liberty Mutual Canada/ Global Surety, diversity is about all of us. Our promise to you is a culture that is collaborative, rewarding and empowering. We are committed to attracting and retaining employees across all dimensions of diversity and believe that recognizing, appreciating, and applying the unique insights, perspectives and backgrounds of each person cultivates an atmosphere of trust and respect. Our values are to foster a high-performing, equitable and inclusive culture where the best talent of all backgrounds can bring their whole selves to work and succeed.

If you are unsure whether or not your experience matches every requirement below, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for varied and diverse perspectives and experiences that we can add to our team!

Our core values guide all of our decision-making and come to life through our benefits and employee programs. We offer:

• A premier flexible work environment (a combination of on-site & remote work) supporting our employees in their pursuit of a healthy work-life balance
• Competitive health & dental benefits plan
• Market-leading pension plan
• Competitive time off policy
• External education & tuition reimbursement programs
• Employee & Family Assistance Programs
• An opportunity to get involved and become a member of one of our national employee committees – social responsibility, employee engagement, diversity, equity & inclusion

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Regional Vice President, Global Surety Claims, the Senior Surety Claims Counsel, will serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert within our Global Surety Claims team. This highly visible role is responsible for managing complex surety claims, construction disputes, and recovery matters across Canada while protecting Liberty Mutual's interests and delivering practical business-focused solutions.

The Senior Counsel will lead the investigation, evaluation, negotiation, and resolution of sophisticated surety claims that often involve construction project completion, contract disputes, payment issues, insolvencies, liens, and litigation. Leveraging your expertise in law, construction, engineering, architecture, or a related discipline, you will assess risk, develop strategic resolution plans, and pursue recovery opportunities while balancing legal, financial, and operational considerations.

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing outcomes, and collaborating with business leaders, external counsel, consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders. You will play a key role in protecting Liberty Mutual's financial interests while helping clients navigate some of the most challenging situations in the construction and commercial sectors.

Functional Responsibilities:

Claims Investigation & Resolution

• Manage a portfolio of complex surety claims ranging in size, complexity, and exposure.
• Investigate, analyze, evaluate, negotiate, and resolve construction and commercial surety matters.
• Develop and execute effective claim resolution and recovery strategies.
• Assess contractual obligations, project risks, financial exposures, and legal liabilities.
• Ensure claims are handled fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Construction & Contract Expertise

• Apply advanced knowledge of construction practices, surety products, and related legal frameworks.
• Navigate matters involving construction defaults, project completion, contract terminations, payment disputes, liens, subcontractor claims, and claims administration.
• Analyze complex construction contracts and related documentation to identify risks and develop actionable solutions.

Recovery & Litigation Management

• Identify, assess, and pursue recovery opportunities involving indemnitors, principals, owners, and third parties.
• Direct recovery initiatives through negotiation, litigation, settlement, or alternative dispute resolution.

• Manage external counsel, financial experts, consultants, and other professional advisors.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal and settlement documentation as required.

Strategic Advisory

• Monitor legal, regulatory, and industry developments that may impact the surety business.
• Provide insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders regarding emerging risks and opportunities.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and presentations for senior leadership.
• Maintain complete and accurate claim documentation and reporting.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or J.D. degree with relevant legal experience; or significant surety claims experience; or a Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline combined with relevant industry expertise.
• 5 - 10 years of experience of legal or claims experience in one or more of the following areas: surety, construction, construction law, engineering, commercial litigation, insolvency or restructuring, contract law or insurance law.
• Experience with surety claims and claims-related litigation a strong asset.
• Knowledge of surety bonds and the Canadian construction industry is considered an asset.
• Prior success in managing or working with outside counsel, consultants or other professionals
• Experience handling complex disputes and financial exposures.
• Strong understanding of construction practices and contractual relationships;direct surety claims experience is highly valued.
• Ability to analyze legal documents, contracts, financial information, and project-related documentation.
• Exceptional problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues to senior audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple and/or competitng priorities with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative, relationship-focused approach to partnering stakehlders - internal and external.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Business-level bilingual proficiency in French is considered a strong asset.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required (approximately 25%).

Liberty Mutual Canada is committed to pay transparency and fair, equitable hiring. For roles based in Ontario, we publish a Target Hiring Range in compliance with the Ontario Pay Transparency Act.

This posting is for an active, current vacancy.

Target Hiring Range: CAD $145,000-170,000 (Grade 17)

           $175,000 – 195,000 (Grade 18)

We do not use AI-based screening tools in our hiring process. Candidates who complete an interview and remain under consideration may request, and will receive, feedback within 45 days.

Liberty Mutual Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment where all employees feel valued and supported. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the communities we operate in and serve. If you require accommodation for the recruitment/interview process due to a disability (which may be invisible or visible, temporary or permanent), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.