VP Operations

Vice President, Operations (Path to COO)

Opportunity Overview

Leap Recruitment Partners has been exclusively retained by a premier, expanding Canadian insurance brokerage to identify a high-impact Vice President of Operations. This confidential appointment comes at a transformational phase for the firm as it scales enterprise operations, expands market footprint, and solidifies its independent future.

Designed for an ambitious executive seeking genuine ownership, this leadership position offers direct equity participation, close co-leadership alongside the founding partners, and a clear path toward the Chief Operating Officer role as the brokerage accelerates its expansion.

The Role

Working directly alongside the firm’s founders, the VP of Operations will serve as the strategic engine and execution leader across all functional areas. You will align multi-departmental performance with long-term corporate targets, optimize operational frameworks, and cultivate strategic carrier partnerships. The ideal candidate blends strategic diagnostic capabilities with hands-on leadership, driving execution and accountability across the entire organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a direct leadership team of five across Sales, Client Services, Personal/High Net Worth Lines, and Finance.

• Operational Execution: Direct day-to-day business operations to ensure every department consistently meets annual performance benchmarks and key milestones.

• Process Architecture: Design, refine, and deploy scalable operational systems designed to support rapid brokerage growth.

• Carrier Strategy: Cultivate and manage key insurer relationships, overseeing contract negotiations and strategic distribution partnerships.

• Market Presence: Collaborate on high-level growth strategies, including brand elevation, industry event representation, and strategic business development.

• Organizational Design: Evaluate current reporting structures and drive organizational refinements required to sustain long-term scale.

• Founding Partner Integration: Serve as the central second-in-command, stepping in on operational leadership to allow the founders to concentrate on strategic expansion.

Reporting & Team Structure

• Direct Reports to: Founding Partners

• Direct Leadership Team: Sales Manager, Client Services Manager, VP of Personal Lines / High Net Worth, Finance Lead, and a designated Department Lead

• Note: Information technology oversight remains managed by the founding team.

Candidate Qualifications

• Brokerage Background: Proven track record as a VP of Operations or senior operational executive within a mid-sized insurance brokerage (brokerage-side expertise required; insurer-only backgrounds will not be considered).

• Licensing & Designations: Active Principal Broker’s License is mandatory. CIP or FCIP designation is highly preferred.

• Carrier Management: Demonstrated experience negotiating carrier agreements and navigating underwriting dynamics.

• Process Optimization: Deep experience building and modernizing operational infrastructure within growth-stage or transitioning businesses.

• Leadership Drive: Skilled at navigating tough conversations, fostering team accountability, and driving continuous improvement.

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: High agency, strong ownership orientation, and willingness to step up when business demands arise.

• Tech-Forward Focus: Enthusiastic about leveraging modern brokerage platforms and AI tools to drive efficiency.

• Executive Presence: Polished communicator capable of representing the firm at industry gatherings and high-level stakeholder engagements.

First-Year Priorities

• Establish immediate rapport and leadership credibility across the internal team.

• Take full ownership of daily personnel management and operational cadences.

• Conduct a comprehensive operational audit to identify process gaps and implement a modernized framework.

• Establish structured performance rhythms, KPI tracking, and operational cadence across all business units.

Confidentiality Notice

This is a confidential executive search conducted by Leap Recruitment Partners. Comprehensive details regarding our client’s brand and long-term strategic plan will be disclosed progressively to qualified candidates following initial screening.

At Leap we are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. That means all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Leap will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Leap encourages applicants of all ages.