Catastrophe Risk Specialist

Wawanesa Insurance; Winnipeg; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Wawanesa Insurance in Canada is seeking a dedicated catastrophe risk analyst reporting to the Manager, Catastrophe Risk. The role focuses on analytics and modeling, including data extraction, modeling, reporting and exposure accumulation in collaboration with pricing and underwriting teams.

You will develop catastrophe perils with RMS/AIR Verisk, analyze historical data and communicate findings to stakeholders through clear reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, atmospheric science or related field.
• 3+ years' experience in a catastrophe modelling role using RMS and/or AIR Verisk.
• Proficiency in catastrophe modelling software and programming languages such as R/SQL for data manipulation and modelling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and calibrate catastrophe perils using RMS/AIR Verisk or similar.
• Analyze historical data, research and claims to improve model accuracy.
• Collaborate with actuaries, underwriters and analysts to understand risk and exposures.
• Interpret model outputs to form a view of risk and communicate with stakeholders.
• Coordinate reviews of model performance, documentation and validation with risk partners.
• Perform sensitivity analysis and scenario testing to assess variable impact on risk.
• Share knowledge and foster teamwork across cross-functional teams.
• Communicate findings through reports, presentations and technical docs.
• Stay updated on industry advancements and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Catastrophe modelling

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mathematics/statistics/actuarial/atmospheric/geospatial

Tools

R

SQL

RMS

AIR Verisk

Job description

Job ID: 10138

Employment Type: Existing Role

Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work environment that offers flexibility to our employees in balancing in-office (2 days per week OR 15 hours per week in a Wawanesa office) and remote work. You may work from any of the following locations: Winnipeg, MB; Vancouver, BC; Calgary, AB; Edmonton, AB; Toronto (North York), ON; Kitchener, ON.

Working Business Language: English. This role is considered a head‑office role and will be required to communicate with internal and external stakeholders across Canada where the primary business language for this role is English. As such, the successful candidate must be fully proficient in English.

Salary: At Wawanesa, salary is only one component of a holistic, comprehensive and competitive offering that we provide to our employees. In addition to salary, full-time and part-time permanent employees are eligible for an annual bonus plan, leave of absence top-up programs and provided with generous vacation time, personal days, premium free benefits and pension plan. The salary offered for this role is estimated to be within the following range: $85,000 - $115,000.

We are currently looking for dedicated, driven, and enthusiastic individuals who thrive in an environment that welcomes change and are looking for an opportunity for diverse experience and advancement on a growing team.

Job Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Catastrophe Risk, this role is responsible for analytics and modeling capabilities within our Catastrophe Risk Management team. This includes data extraction and manipulation for the purpose of modeling, reporting, and exposure accumulation. 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 modelling 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) and believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our people – this is supported by having a representative workforce.

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.

We aim to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out in confidence to [e-mail].

All Wawanesa job applicants are subject to Wawanesa's Privacy Policy.

Please note that the recruitment process for this position may involve the use of AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants. All final decisions are taken or reviewed by human recruiters and human hiring leaders in compliance with all applicable legislation.