Chief Underwriter

Approved Casualty & Surety; Oakville; Hybrid; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance organization in Ontario is seeking a Chief Underwriter to lead their surety underwriting team. The role involves shaping underwriting strategies, driving profitability, and mentoring staff. Candidates should have over 10 years of underwriting experience in construction and strong leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment, with hybrid flexibility.

Benefits

Dental care

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Extended health care

Life insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience in construction insurance.
• At least 5 years in a senior underwriting leadership role.
• High-level knowledge of surety bond products and strategies.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the surety underwriting team.
• Develop underwriting strategies for optimal profitability.
• Collaborate with senior management and refine underwriting strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Risk assessment

Attention to detail

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

Overview

Approved Casualty and Surety is a licensed MGA and Lloyd's cover holder, 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 establish contractor + construction programs: Liability, Property, Builders Risk, Equipment floater to complement our surety offerings.

Job Purpose

The Chief Underwriter will build and 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 insurance 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 construction insurance, including at least 5 years in a senior underwriting leadership role.
• High-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.

Behavioral Competencies

• 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.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to draft and refine contracts and policy documents.

Key Result Areas / Essential Functions

• Direct the assessment and underwriting of complex contractor, 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.

Risk Oversight

• 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.

Benefits

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Location & General

Location: Hybrid

Pay: Lucrative salary, plus commission

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