Intermediate Underwriter

Manulife John Hancock; Canada; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Manulife John Hancock is seeking an Intermediate Life Underwriter to independently assess and classify life insurance risks within assigned authority in the Canadian market.

You will evaluate medical, financial, occupational, avocational, travel, and lifestyle information across a broader range of cases, including moderate impairments, and communicate outcomes to advisors and internal partners.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a Life Underwriter with signing authority of $1M.
• Knowledge of medical risk assessment, including related terminology and tests.
• Understanding of financial and non-medical risks in life insurance underwriting.

Responsibilities

• Independently assess and classify life insurance risks within authority.
• Evaluate medical, financial, occupational, travel and lifestyle information for broader cases.
• Apply sound judgment and document rationale for decisions.

Skills

Life underwriting

Medical risk assessment

Independent decision-making

Analytical thinking

Communication

Organizational skills

Tech literacy

Education

University degree in related discipline

LOMA/ALU courses

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Internet-based applications

Job description

Continue building your career with Manulife's Individual Insurance team, a leading provider of insurance for Canadian families, individuals, and businesses, recognized for innovative products, service, and professional advice.

As an Intermediate Life Underwriter, you'll bring established underwriting experience and Life signing authority of $1-$2 million. You'll independently manage a broader range of cases within assigned authority, working with National Accounts, Managing General Agencies (MGAs), and Traditional Producers.

Bring your technical knowledge, sound judgment, and customer-focused approach. You'll assess more complex risks, communicate decisions confidently, and contribute practical solutions that support customers, advisors, and business outcomes.

Why Underwriting at Manulife

At Manulife, underwriting is where expertise, trust, and impact come together. In this role, you won't just review files - you'll own complex, meaningful decisions that help individuals and families secure their financial futures with confidence.

You'll work with innovative underwriting tools and technologies that support strong judgment and better customer outcomes, allowing you to focus on the higher‑value work your expertise is built for.

We're equally invested in your growth. With clear career progression, hands‑on learning alongside experienced peers, and strong support for professional development, Manulife offers an environment where underwriting careers are built for the long term - supported by flexible ways of working and a collaborative, people‑first culture.

What You'll Do

• Independently assess and classify life insurance risks within assigned authority, following Manulife's underwriting philosophy, guidelines, and standards.
• Evaluate medical, financial, occupational, avocational, travel, and lifestyle information across a broader range of cases, including moderate impairments.
• Apply sound judgment to underwriting decisions, document your rationale clearly, and refer cases beyond your authority or requiring additional expertise.
• Manage your case workload independently, balancing risk assessment with quality, productivity, and service expectations.
• Communicate requirements and decisions clearly and professionally, helping advisors and internal partners understand the underwriting rationale.
• Build positive working relationships and take ownership of case follow-ups and service concerns.
• Follow applicable legislation, consumer regulations, privacy requirements, and disclosure standards.
• Share technical knowledge with colleagues and contribute practical ideas to improve processes, consistency, and customer outcomes.

What You'll Bring

• Demonstrated experience as a Life Underwriter, with a minimum Life signing authority of $1M
• Working knowledge of medical risk assessment, including anatomy, medical terminology, diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications.
• Sound knowledge of financial and other non-medical risks and their application to life insurance underwriting.
• Experience assessing a range of cases, including moderate impairments, and making independent decisions within assigned authority.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with clear, well-supported decision rationale.
• The ability to interpret and apply current technical information and recognize when additional guidance or escalation is needed.
• Clear written and verbal communication and the ability to explain underwriting decisions professionally.
• A customer-service mindset and the ability to build credibility and positive relationships with advisors and internal partners.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and ownership of priorities and turnaround times.
• Comfort with underwriting systems, new business processes, and digital tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and internet-based applications.
• Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Assets

• Enrollment in or completion of LOMA, ALU, or other insurance-related courses.
• A university or college degree in a related discipline.
• Medical education, training, or experience.
• Participation in industry meetings, seminars, or conferences.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and French.
• If the successful candidate is in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various provinces outside of Quebec.

Career Growth

Through broader case exposure, ongoing learning, and feedback, you'll continue strengthening your technical expertise, judgment, and ability to manage increasingly complex risks.

Development toward a Senior Life Underwriter role will focus on greater case complexity, decision quality, expanded authority, strong advisor relationships, and broader contributions to the team. Progression will depend on demonstrated readiness and business needs, rather than time in role alone.

What Matters to You

Putting customers first by listening, engaging, and acting for their benefit.

Learning cont