Assistant Vice President, Marine

Aviva; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A major insurance company in Toronto is seeking an AVP of Marine to lead the execution of their Marine underwriting strategy. The role requires over 10 years of commercial underwriting experience, focusing on growth and operational excellence within the Marine business. Responsibilities include overseeing complex underwriting activities, managing a national portfolio, and fostering relationships with brokers and stakeholders. This position offers a compelling rewards package and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Compelling rewards package

Hybrid flexible work model

Outstanding career development opportunities

Competitive vacation package

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial underwriting experience in Marine or complex specialty lines.
• Strong knowledge of the Canadian commercial insurance market.
• Experience in managing large, complex commercial risks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of Marine underwriting strategy in Canada.
• Oversee complex Marine underwriting activities and portfolio management.
• Build and strengthen broker and stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Commercial underwriting experience

Marine risk knowledge

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Leadership experience

Education

University degree in Business, Finance, or related field

CIP designation

Job description

Overview

Experience Aviva

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

At Aviva Canada, we put people first, our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most.

The Opportunity

Aviva Canada has an exciting opportunity within our GCS Corporate Risk team! We are seeking a dedicated AVP of Marine to play a key role in our expansion into the Marine business in Canada with a focus on mid-market, large and multinational risks.

As AVP of Marine, your primary focus will be to lead the execution of Aviva Canada’s Marine underwriting strategy and oversee the performance of a national portfolio of complex Marine risks. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Underwriting, Pricing, Reinsurance, Claims, and Risk, you will help shape appetite, enhance underwriting tools and guidelines, and ensure a sustainable and competitive Marine proposition in the Canadian market.

With the support of technical underwriting resources, you will guide the continued development and optimization of Aviva’s Marine offering, strengthen broker relationships, and develop underwriting talent, while maintaining a strong focus on profitability, governance, and customer outcomes.

In this role, your primary focus will be to leverage your Marine expertise, and your industry network relationships to further Aviva’s Marine initiative to build, launch and grow a profitable Marine portfolio.

What you’ll do

• Build, lead and manage Aviva Canada’s national Marine underwriting portfolio, delivering growth, profitability, and service quality targets in line with business objectives.

• Oversee complex Marine underwriting activities, including high‑premium and technically complex new business and renewals, acting as an escalation point for referrals within delegated authority.

• Execute and refine Marine underwriting strategy in alignment with GCS and Specialty Commercial priorities, contributing to appetite definition, portfolio optimization, and pricing adequacy.

• Work alongside our Commercial Lines Underwriting team members to cross-sell and support Customer focused solutions.

• Build, maintain, and strengthen broker and market relationships across Canada, supporting market engagement and representing Aviva’s Marine underwriting capability in key broker and client interactions.

• Support the ongoing development and enhancement of Marine underwriting tools, products, wordings, guidelines, and referral frameworks in collaboration with the Central Technical Unit and other stakeholders.

• Work closely with Pricing/Actuarial, Reinsurance, Risk, Claims, and Legal partners to support effective risk management and sustainable portfolio performance.

• Ensure strong underwriting governance and controls, supporting audits, reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Stay informed on Marine market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging risks, providing insight and recommendations to senior leadership.

• Role model Aviva’s Values in Action, taking a One Aviva approach and supporting the delivery of good customer outcomes.

What you’ll bring

• University degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.

• CIP (or equivalent) designation required; CRM or other relevant professional qualifications preferred.

• 10+ years of commercial underwriting experience, including Marine and/or complex specialty lines.

• Experience underwriting and managing large, complex commercial risks.

• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching and developing underwriting teams.

• Strong knowledge of the Canadian commercial insurance market and Marine risk landscape.

• Proven ability to build and maintain effective broker and stakeholder relationships.

• Strong analytical, decision‑making, and communication skills.

• Bilingualism is an asset.

What you’ll get

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.

• Hybrid flexible work model.

• Outstanding career development opportunities.

• We’ll support your professional development education.

• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year.

• Employee-driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.

• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health.

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is a new position which has been posted internally & externally.

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.