Chief Underwriter

TEEMA Solutions Group; Oakville; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected MGA leader in surety solutions is seeking a Chief Underwriter to lead their underwriting operations. This senior role requires extensive experience in surety markets, strategic leadership, and a strong analytical ability. The position offers competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in an innovative and collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Comprehensive benefits

Performance incentives

Professional growth opportunities

Innovative and collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience in surety or related commercial lines.
• 5 years in senior underwriting leadership role.
• Expert knowledge of surety bond products and underwriting methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the surety underwriting team and shape strategic underwriting guidelines.
• Mentor and develop the underwriting team.
• Direct the assessment and underwriting of complex surety bonds.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Negotiation skills

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management

Advanced certifications (CPCU, AFSB, CRM, FCIP)

Tools

MS Office applications

Broker Management Systems (BMS)

Job description

Approved Casualty and Surety is a respected MGA leader in providing specialized surety solutions to a wide range of businesses across Canada, with a focus on Commercial and Contract Surety. We are dedicated to innovation, excellence, and delivering unparalleled underwriting services tailored to our clients’ unique needs. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a highly experienced Chief Underwriter to strategically lead and advance our surety underwriting operations.

Job Purpose
The Chief Underwriter will lead the surety underwriting team, shaping strategic underwriting guidelines, maintaining exceptional underwriting standards, and driving profitability and sustainable growth. This senior role demands an experienced underwriting professional with deep knowledge of surety markets, outstanding analytical skills, strategic leadership capabilities, and a proven record of building and mentoring underwriting teams.

Qualifications / Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field. Advanced certifications (CPCU, AFSB, CRM, FCIP) strongly preferred.

Minimum 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience in surety or related commercial lines, including at least 5 years in a senior underwriting leadership role.

Expert-level knowledge of surety bond products, underwriting methodologies, risk assessment, and pricing strategies.

Demonstrated ability to develop, articulate, and execute underwriting strategies that achieve business and financial objectives.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, paired with meticulous attention to detail.

Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Proficient knowledge of regulatory environments affecting the surety market and compliance best practices.

Solutions-driven mindset.

Strong analytical abilities.

Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.

Effective relationship management.

Prioritization skills and high responsiveness.

Positive and adaptable demeanor.

Attuned listening skills.

Technical Skills

Proficient in MS Office applications.

Experience with Broker Management Systems (BMS).

Knowledge of Company Portals and Document Management Systems.

Ability to draft and refine contracts and policy documents.

Key Result Areas/Essential Functions

Direct the assessment and underwriting of complex surety bonds, ensuring prudent risk selection and optimal terms.

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing underwriting team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.

Collaborate closely with senior management, sales, actuarial, and claims departments to refine underwriting strategies and enhance competitive positioning.

Continuously monitor underwriting performance and profitability metrics; proactively recommend adjustments to strategies and practices as necessary.

Manage strategic relationships with brokers, agents, reinsurers, and key stakeholders within the surety industry.

Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, regulatory changes, and emerging risks; leverage insights to position the company competitively.

Establish, communicate, and oversee the implementation of underwriting policies and guidelines aligned with company objectives and regulatory requirements.

Stay abreast of underwriting philosophies and market trends.

Convey updates regarding insurance coverages, policies, and regulatory changes.

Assess and determine the risk associated with commercial insurance proposals.

Ensure all submissions are accurate, up-to-date, and utilize the latest software. Aim for top-tier submission outcomes.

Teamwork

Collaborate effectively across teams and departments.

Regularly update management and pertinent parties about work progress.

Aid in skill development of team members and other staff.

Actively contribute to, and support, all business activities.

Why Join Approved Casualty and Surety?

Opportunity to lead and significantly impact a growing, dynamic, and respected organization.

Competitive compensation package including attractive salary, comprehensive benefits, and performance incentives.

Professional growth opportunities supported by an innovative and collaborative work environment.

A culture that values integrity, collaboration, excellence, and innovation.

We are committed to providing accommodations and achieving a barrier-free workplace for individuals with disabilities. We provide a safe inclusive work environment and welcome all candidates with disabilities, visible minorities and LGBTQ2S+. Should you require an accommodation to participate in our recruitment process, we will support you by considering your individual accessibility needs.

We thank you as an insurance professional for your submission. We will be in contact with those advancing in this specific recruitment process.