Director of Underwriting and Product Development

Peace Hills Insurance; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider is seeking a Director of Underwriting and Product Development to provide strategic leadership in underwriting and product practices. This role demands over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, with a focus on compliance and innovation. The ideal candidate will lead a team to optimize underwriting processes, engage with stakeholders, and ensure product profitability. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, including 5 years in a management leadership role.
• Expert knowledge of P&C products, preferably in commercial and personal lines.
• Exceptional people-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and guidance for underwriting referral desk.
• Lead a team of specialists in underwriting processes.
• Develop and communicate underwriting guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Act as the subject matter expert for training materials.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Job description

We currently have an opening for a Director of Underwriting and Product Development. This role is a key member of our Senior Management team and provides strategic leadership in the development, governance, and execution of underwriting products and practices across the organization. Additionally, this role is accountable for shaping and maintaining a forward-looking underwriting framework that ensures product profitability, market relevance, and regulatory compliance. It plays a critical role in driving innovation, identifying emerging risk trends, and aligning underwriting solutions with the company’s broader business objectives and growth strategy.

More specifically, the responsibilities include:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the highest non-Executive underwriting referral authority, providing oversight and guidance for the underwriting referral desk to ensure adherence to guidelines and effective decision-making.
• Lead a team of specialists responsible for management and oversight of the product, underwriting processes, commercial rating, and wordings, including collaborating with operations teams to develop resolutions, create remediation plans, and generate related reports.
• Oversee the development, communication, and maintenance of underwriting guidelines, wordings, and procedures, promoting consistency across branches.
• Lead initiatives supporting strategic direction and achieving financial targets, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and efficient implementation.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategic roadmaps and business plans.
• Analyze initiatives and opportunities comprehensively, providing informed recommendations and action plans to drive results.
• Participate in and contribute to the development of underwriting strategies and business plans.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for changes to Personal Lines and Commercial Lines ratings and products.
• Engage with third-party vendors involved in underwriting activities to ensure alignment with standards, compliance, and service quality.
• Act as the subject matter expert for internal and external product training materials, supporting the development of a training strategy for underwriting.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of market dynamics, product trends, the competitive landscape, economic changes, and regulatory actions.
• Provide leadership to attract and retain high-quality talent.
• Create an environment fostering productivity, collaboration, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning within the underwriting function.
• Oversee and manage annual underwriting audits.
• Participate in IBC and government working committees as required.
• Oversee adherence to reinsurance line guides and treaties.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and leadership development.
• Contribute to managing risk and risk transfer through reinsurance programs, including maintaining and updating reinsurance structures and line guides.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, including a minimum of 5 years in a management leadership role.
• Expert knowledge of P&C products, preferably in both commercial and personal lines.
• Proven ability to develop efficient and innovative underwriting processes and products.
• Experience with project management is an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of managing operations of a P&C insurance company.
• Ability to proactively participate in a team environment and lead change, ensuring staff engagement and alignment.
• Exceptional people-management skills with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Strong time-management, project management, and communication skills.
• Proven track record of working with senior management.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Innovative mindset with the ability to implement new processes, products, and adopt technology.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and conflict management skills.
• High proficiency in listening, writing, verbal communication, and consensus building.
• Demonstrated initiative and motivation for continuous improvement of products and procedures.