Head of Compliance - US

Argo Group, through its operating subsidiaries, offers high-quality Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance and reinsurance products and services. At Argo Group, we leverage the success, discipline and expertise of our people and an understanding of our customers’ needs to provide a diverse portfolio of products and services. This approach helps those we insure drive down their ultimate cost through prevention and aggressive claims handling. Simply stated, our products and services help keep businesses in business.

We have an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Head of Compliance. This role can be fully remote, aligned to one of Argo Groups US offices or hybrid schedule with the availability to periodically come to an office on an as-needed basis.  The successful candidate will provide advice and counsel on a wide range of insurance regulatory and group corporate compliance matters for the Group’s U.S. domiciled insurance companies. To be responsible for the U.S. Compliance Function and pro-actively support Executive Management’s commitment to both legal and regulatory compliance and promotion of a strong culture.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify and mitigate compliance risks to the Argo Group US insurance companies (admitted and surplus lines) through the development, implementation, documentation, updating, maintenance, establishment of controls, and monitoring, of the compliance program.  Analyze performance to identify need for corrective action
• To draft the annual Argo US Compliance Plan and monitor actual performance against the plan on an ongoing basis
• Provide legal and regulatory advice to Underwriting, Finance, Operations, and Claims colleagues on regulatory and compliance matters
• Keep well informed of changes to statutes, regulations, governmental interpretations, industry trends, and lessons learned within the organization. Analyze, interpret and determine the resultant impact on Argo Group US and advise the appropriate personnel accordingly
• To work with the Sr. Regulatory Counsel and other members of the Legal and Compliance team on matters involving  Federal, State, and regulatory authorities or other relevant parties in issues of compliance, including queries, market conduct exams, and investigations
• To work with the US Compliance Manager to oversee and develop a robust regulatory reporting framework  including associated processes and filings
• Develop and implement processes for managing information, such as consumer complaints, a whistle-blowing system, and other mechanisms. 
• Investigate and respond to potential violations of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards of conduct by evaluating or recommending the initiation of investigative procedures
• To monitor and have oversight of the Argo Group US licensing framework ensuring that Argo’s US operations have in place the necessary licenses on an ongoing basis
• Build relationships and work closely with internal and external parties (regulators, external counsel, vendors) across the Argo Group US insurance companies
• Maintain knowledge of the organization's operations and legal documents
• Execute and maintain the annual compliance training program for Argo Group US (to include staff based outside of the US as required)
• Serve as a mentor and strong manager for the members of the compliance team who report to you
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:  

• 10 years of experience in-house at a U.S.-domiciled P&C insurance company, or within a law firm’s insurance practice managing insurance regulatory compliance, reporting, and licensing.
• Experience managing a large group of insurance regulatory professionals.
• Strong understanding of U.S insurance regulatory compliance.
• A high level of intellectual, professional, and interpersonal agility and flexibility, combined with strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and oral communication skills.
• Excellent project management skills, well organized, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment and manage numerous projects simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• A very good understanding of the US regulatory environment including state and federal.
• Ability to introduce, develop and maintain regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Team-oriented and able to work collaboratively and effectively with business clients and other legal department members, as well as being a self-starter comfortable working independently.
• Professional demeanor with a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.
• Embodies Argo Group Culture: Values, Code of Conduct, Innovation, Diversity & Inclusion.

The range provided is for US-based hires only and will be commensurate with candidate experience.  Pay range: $180,500 - $214,800 plus eligibility for an annual bonus based on company and individual performance.