Director, Specialty Lines

Definity Financial; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Share ownership program

Incentive plan eligibility

RRSP matching

Volunteer days

Tuition assistance

Inclusive culture and support programs

Wellness program

Product discounts

Job summary

Definity Financial is seeking a Director to lead our Specialty Property & Energy underwriting team. You will drive growth, balance risk and service, and influence underwriting strategy across large multinational accounts.

You will mentor senior underwriters, partner with corporate underwriting, and deliver performance-driven results while representing the organization to brokers, clients, and partners at industry events.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience underwriting complex Property and Energy risks.
• Experience managing multinational accounts and large, sophisticated portfolios.
• Proven leadership developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Strong business acumen balancing growth, profitability and risk.
• Ability to coach and influence underwriting decisions across new business and renewal portfolios.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with executives, brokers and clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters and promote a culture of accountability and learning.
• Drive portfolio growth while balancing underwriting discipline and customer service.
• Provide guidance on complex referrals and large account decisions.
• Partner with Corporate Underwriting to shape strategies, guidelines and best practices.
• Monitor portfolio performance metrics such as GWP and COR to meet objectives.
• Conduct underwriting audits and quality reviews for compliance and risk appetite.
• Build broker and client relationships as a trusted partner on multinational accounts.
• Represent the organization at client meetings, broker engagements and industry events.
• Develop underwriting expertise through coaching, development plans, and delegation of authority.
• Lead performance management activities including goal setting and succession planning.

Skills

Team leadership

Underwriting leadership

Mentoring

Relationship building

Strategic influence

Communication skills

Bilingual in French and English

Education

University degree

CIP designation asset

Job description

The Opportunity

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape the future of our Specialty Property & Energy business while leading a high-performing team of underwriting professionals. As Director, you will drive profitable growth across a diverse portfolio of complex and multinational accounts, influence underwriting strategy, and build strong relationships with brokers, clients, and industry partners.

What To Expect

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Specialty Property & Energy underwriters, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Drive profitable portfolio growth while balancing underwriting discipline, risk selection, and exceptional customer service.
• Provide guidance and approval on complex underwriting referrals and large account decisions.
• Partner with Corporate Underwriting to influence and implement underwriting strategies, guidelines, and best practices.
• Monitor portfolio performance, including key metrics such as Gross Written Premium (GWP) and Combined Operating Ratio (COR), to achieve business objectives.
• Conduct underwriting audits and quality reviews to ensure compliance with company standards and risk appetite.
• Build and strengthen broker and client relationships, serving as a trusted partner on large and complex multinational accounts.
• Represent the organization at client meetings, broker engagements, and industry events.
• Develop underwriting expertise across the team through coaching, mentorship, development planning, and delegation of underwriting authority.
• Lead performance management activities, including goal setting, coaching, talent development, and succession planning.
• Communicate business results, portfolio insights, and strategic action plans to senior leaders and stakeholders.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of experience underwriting complex Property and Energy risks.
• Proven expertise managing large, sophisticated, and multinational accounts.
• Leadership experience developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance growth, profitability, and risk management objectives.
• Demonstrated success building broker partnerships and long-term client relationships.
• Ability to coach and influence underwriting decisions across both new business and renewal portfolios.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage executives, brokers, clients, and teams at all levels.
• University degree or college diploma, CIP designation is an asset
• Bilingualism in French and English is considered a strong asset.

About Us

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Please note that the salary band for this role will be shared with candidates who are selected to move forward in the interview process.

Actual salary for the role may vary depending on work location of the successful candidate and other factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, working conditions and the local labour market.

This position is being posted to fill an existing vacancy.

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid work schedule for most roles
• Company share ownership program
• Incentive Program - Eligible employees may participate in various incentive plans which are paid out at the discretion of the company and subject to individual and company performance.
• Pension and savings programs, with company-matched RRSP contributions
• Paid volunteer days and company matching on charitable donations
• Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid time off to study for exams
• Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC counsellors, access to programs for working parents
• Wellness and recognition programs
• Discounts on products and services

Go ahead and expect a lot — you deserve it.

It’s better here — but don’t take our word for it. Definity was named by Great Place to Work® as one of the Best Workplaces™ in Canada for women, for youth, and for inclusion.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].

As part of Definity’s commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that our work, meetings, and travel take place on the lands now known as Canada, and recognize the enduring presence, wisdom, and stewardship of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have long cared for these lands.

Background checks

This role requires successful clearance of background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).

About The Team

Definity is the parent company to some of Canada’s most long-standing and innovative insurance brands, including Definity Insurance (formerly Economical Insurance), Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance. Our ambition is to be one of Canada’s leading and most innovative property and casualty insurers. We can’t do that without our people, so we embrace and encourage a culture that’s collaborative, ambitious, rewarding, and empowering.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work experience where employees work from the office and virtually depending on the type of work they are doing and who they are working with. Bring your true self and be a part of our journey. It’s better here.