Personal Lines Underwriter, Farm & Specialty Lines

Optimum General Insurance; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Transit access

Competitive pay

Work-life balance

Team events

Employee growth

Job summary

Optimum Group is seeking a Personal Lines Underwriter for Farm & Specialty Lines in Metro Vancouver. You will underwrite farm and sub-standard risks, manage new submissions, renewals, and endorsements, and support profitable growth through sound judgment and strong broker relationships.

The role emphasizes responsive service, accurate documentation, and regulatory compliance, with a hybrid work model and centralized offices accessible by transit.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in business, insurance, risk management, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of Insurance Industry experience.
• CIP designation, or active progress toward completion, is an asset.
• Proficiency with underwriting systems, rating tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new business, renewals, and endorsements within authority, guidelines, and service standards.
• Evaluate risk quality, coverage requirements, pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Develop and maintain broker relationships through timely communication and practical underwriting solutions.
• Contribute to retention and profitable growth through effective negotiation and disciplined account management.
• Maintain accurate file documentation and ensure compliance with internal processes and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Underwriting

Risk assessment

Broker relationships

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Education

Post-secondary degree in business, insurance, risk management, or related field

CIP designation

Tools

Underwriting systems

Rating tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Personal Lines Underwriter, Farm & Specialty Lines

The Personal Lines Underwriter, Farm & Specialty Lines is responsible for underwriting farm and sub-standard risks, writing new submissions, renewals, and endorsements within established authority. This role supports profitable portfolio growth by applying sound judgment, maintaining strong broker relationships, and delivering responsive, solutions-oriented service.

Key responsibilities

• Underwrite new business, renewals, and endorsements within established authority, guidelines, and service standards.
• Evaluate risk quality, coverage requirements, pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Develop and maintain effective broker relationships through timely communication and practical underwriting solutions.
• Contribute to retention and profitable growth through effective negotiation and disciplined account management.
• Maintain accurate file documentation and ensure compliance with internal processes and regulatory requirements.

Experience and education

• Post-secondary education degree in business, insurance, risk management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years of Insurance Industry experience.
• CIP designation, or active progress toward completion, is an asset.
• Proficiency with underwriting systems, rating tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

Skills and competencies

• Solid technical knowledge of underwriting, pricing, and risk selection.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Professional communication, negotiation, and broker relationship management skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Collaborative, accountable, and comfortable working independently within a team environment.

Why Join Optimum?

At Optimum Group, we are proud to be a wholly owned Canadian company with international operations and a people-first culture.

We offer:

• Hybrid work model (3 days in office)
• Centrally located offices accessible by public transit
• Competitive compensation package
• Strong commitment to work-life balance
• Employee-focused culture with high engagement
• Monthly team-building and social activities
• Join a company where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions make a real impact.