Head of Claims – Trade Credit Insurance at Coface · São Paulo

Company Description

At Coface, we make trade happen everyday.

Our 5,200 experts representing 80+ nationalities in 58 countries are united by a shared purpose: helping companies navigate through uncertainty by empowering them to make the right decisions and trade smarter in a complex world.

With nearly 80 years of global experience, we offer companies a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring — all driven by a unique data patrimony, cutting-edge technology, innovation and a deep understanding of the global economy.

Joining Coface means being part of a close-knit international organization, where your ideas matter. We foster a culture of learning, collaboration and inclusion where you are given responsibilities and can see the impact of your actions.

Shape the future of trade with us. Join our Happeners!

Job Description

We are seeking a highly strategic and experienced Director of Claims & Debit Collection to lead the claims and recovery function within our Credit Insurance business.

This role is responsible for defining and executing the claims strategy, ensuring efficient claims handling, optimizing recovery outcomes, and aligning claims activities with underwriting, risk, and legal functions. The position plays a critical role in managing portfolio risk exposure and supporting the company’s financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the claims and recovery strategy aligned with the company’s risk appetite and business objectives
• Lead the management of complex and high-value claims, including insolvency, restructuring, and litigation cases
• Oversee and optimize the end-to-end claims lifecycle, ensuring operational efficiency, reduced turnaround time, and improved loss ratios
• Develop and implement recovery strategies, including negotiations, settlements, and legal actions
• Integrate claims insights with Underwriting, Risk, and Finance teams to support credit risk decisions and portfolio management
• Conduct and apply solvency and financial analysis of debtors to guide claims and recovery decisions
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization, automation, and data analytics capabilities
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards
• Manage relationships with external legal partners, regulators, and key stakeholders
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing claims team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence

Qualifications

• Law degree with active OAB (Brazilian Bar Association) – mandatory
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience, including:
  • Extensive experience in claims management within insurance, credit insurance, financial services, or related sectors
  • At least 5 years of senior leadership experience managing claims teams

Technical Expertise

• Strong experience in:
  • Credit insurance (highly preferred) or corporate credit risk environments
  • Solvency analysis and financial statement evaluation – mandatory
  • Complex claims involving insolvency, restructuring, and litigation
• Deep knowledge of:
  • Claims processes, investigation, and settlement practices
  • Credit risk and recovery processes (judicial and extrajudicial)
  • Regulatory requirements and industry standards (SUSEP knowledge is a plus)
• Advanced analytical and financial skills with proficiency in claims and data analysis tools

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong business and financial acumen
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and cost efficiency
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Excellent organizational and communication skills

Additional Information

• Advanced English – mandatory
• Intermediate Spanish – required

  Preferred Experience

• Background in global credit insurance companies
• Experience in banking, trade finance, or corporate credit risk analysis
• Exposure to large corporate portfolios and cross-border claims
• Strong interaction with commercial and client-facing teams