Head of Commercial Underwriting – Western Region

Aviva; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a VP, Head of Underwriting to lead and innovate in commercial underwriting. This role involves developing a strategic vision for the underwriting team, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity. With a focus on building strong broker relationships and driving underwriting profit, this position offers a compelling rewards package, outstanding career development opportunities, and a hybrid work model. If you’re ready to make a significant impact in the insurance sector, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Base compensation

Annual bonus eligibility

Retirement savings plan

Health benefits

Personal wellness programs

Competitive vacation package

Volunteer opportunities

Professional development support

Corporate wellness programs

Employee-driven diversity programs

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of relevant P&C experience, including 5+ years in commercial underwriting.
• Strong leadership skills to develop and empower underwriting teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Commercial Lines underwriting vision for the region.
• Lead a team of underwriting experts to foster a culture of empowerment.

Skills

Commercial Underwriting

Leadership

Strategic Analysis

Risk Management

Education

Undergraduate degree in business or related field

FCIP, FCAS, FCIA or equivalent designation

Job description

The VP, Head of Underwriting is a market-facing leader who is the P&L owner for commercial underwriting for Branch or Region.

Evolve Aviva Canada’s Commercial Lines business to be an industry leader within Canada.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Commercial Lines underwriting vision for Western Region to grow underwriting profit.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of individual branch performance within the region through analysis of reports while regularly taking strategic actions and finding opportunities to increase positive results.
• By focusing on what matters to our people, outstanding leadership and fostering an inclusive culture, there is a pipeline of top talent vying to work on your team.
• Lead and empower underwriters to take a creative yet profitable approach toward underwriting.
• Develop and lead a leadership team of underwriting experts who thrive on developing our underwriters, living Aviva values and motivating people to be their best.
• Nurture a culture of confidence and empowerment – be known in the market for underwriting expertise and being solution-oriented and customer-centric.
• Champion and adopt the Operational Effectiveness agenda resulting in increased capacity for our underwriters.
• Facilitate people moving within SME and Aviva Canada in line with career aspirations and business need. We will win by operating as One Aviva.
• In partnership with BD, continually review and deliver on effective broker strategy and value proposition, driving stronger broker engagement, business outcomes, and increased NPS.
• Work proactively with broker partners to strengthen relationships and ensure business plans are met.
• Develop underwriting frameworks consistent with business and regulatory requirements.
• Regularly report on large losses, trends, and the competitive environment. Embed a risk culture within Aviva.
• Complete quality assurance of the Commercial Lines P&C and Automobile portfolio, including branch and/or regional self-review.
• Manage account receivables to collect premium.
• Work proactively and collaboratively with business partners across the organization to ensure objectives are aligned and met.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with regular attestation and evidencing.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business, mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, or other related field or equivalent experience.
• FCIP, FCAS, FCIA or equivalent designation is required.

Experience

• 10-15 years of relevant P&C experience, including 5+ years of experience in commercial underwriting and product development.

What you’ll get

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
• Outstanding Career Development opportunities.
• We’ll support your professional development education.
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year.
• Employee-driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.
• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health.
• Hybrid flexible work model (presence in the office at least three times per week).

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is an existing position which has been posted both internally & externally.

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.