Catastrophe Risk Specialist

Wawanesa Insurance; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian mutual insurer in Toronto is seeking a Catastrophe Risk Analyst. This role involves developing catastrophe models, analyzing risk exposures, and collaborating with various teams. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, 3+ years of experience in catastrophe modeling, and proficiency in relevant software and programming languages. Strong analytical skills and effective communication are essential. This position offers a hybrid work environment and supports diversity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, atmospheric science, geospatial science, or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience in a catastrophe modeling role using one or both of RMS and AIR Verisk.
• Proficiency in catastrophe modeling software, programming languages such as R, SQL, or similar for data manipulation and modeling.
• Strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of risk assessment and modeling techniques.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Experience in insurance, reinsurance, catastrophe model development, catastrophe risk pricing or risk management is an asset.
• Certification or coursework in catastrophe modeling, risk management (e.g., CPCU, ARe) or actuarial exams is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and calibrate catastrophe perils using industry‑standard software (e.g., RMS, VERISK, etc.).
• Analyze historical data, scientific research, and insurance claims to enhance model accuracy.
• Collaborate with actuaries, underwriters, and analysts to understand risk exposures and manage exposure accumulations.
• Interpret model outputs and assumptions from multiple models to help form a view of risk.
• Coordinate with risk management partners for independent review of model performance, documentation, and validation.
• Conduct sensitivity analysis and scenario testing to evaluate the impact of different variables on risk assessments.
• Proactively share knowledge in catastrophe‑related areas, create learning experiences, and foster teamwork.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders through reports, presentations, and technical documentation.
• Stay updated with industry advancements, regulatory requirements, and best practices in catastrophe modeling.

Job description

About Us

At Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1896, we are one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers with over $3.5 billion in annual revenue. Our hybrid work environment balances in‑office and remote work across many Canadian cities. We serve more than 1.7 million members and donate over $3.5 million annually to charitable organizations, supporting communities and climate change initiatives.

Job Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Catastrophe Risk, this role is responsible for analytics and modeling capabilities within our Catastrophe Risk Management team. The role will collaborate with various pricing and underwriting teams to assist in the implementation of catastrophe models and monitoring of exposure accumulations.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and calibrate catastrophe perils using industry‑standard software (e.g., RMS, VERISK, etc.).
• Analyze historical data, scientific research, and insurance claims to enhance model accuracy.
• Collaborate with actuaries, underwriters, and analysts to understand risk exposures and manage exposure accumulations.
• Interpret model outputs and assumptions from multiple models to help form a view of risk.
• Coordinate with risk management partners the independent review of model performance, documentation, and validation.
• Conduct sensitivity analysis and scenario testing to evaluate the impact of different variables on risk assessments.
• Proactively share knowledge in catastrophe‑related areas, create learning experiences, and foster teamwork and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders through reports, presentations, and technical documentation.
• Stay updated with industry advancements, regulatory requirements, and best practices in catastrophe modeling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, atmospheric science, geospatial science, or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience in a catastrophe modeling role using one or both of RMS and AIR Verisk.
• Proficiency in catastrophe modeling software, programming languages such as R, SQL, or similar for data manipulation and modeling.
• Strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of risk assessment and modeling techniques.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Experience in insurance, reinsurance, catastrophe model development, catastrophe risk pricing or risk management is an asset.
• Certification or coursework in catastrophe modeling, risk management (e.g., CPCU, ARe) or actuarial exams is an asset.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At Wawanesa, we are committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including racialized persons, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, gender‑diverse and neurodiverse individuals, and anyone who can contribute to the further diversification of thought and ideas.

Application Information

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