Senior Manager, Risk Business Partner - Personal Insurance

Aviva; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider in York Region is seeking a Risk Business Partner to provide strategic oversight across the Personal Insurance business. Responsibilities include delivering independent risk opinions and supporting governance pathways. The ideal candidate has a degree in business or finance, 5-10 years of experience in the property/casualty insurance industry, and strong leadership skills. The position offers a compelling rewards package and a hybrid flexible work model.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Retirement savings plan

Health benefits

Competitive vacation package

Corporate wellness programs

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in property/casualty insurance industry.
• Experience in Commercial Insurance or Finance.
• Proven ability in influencing senior management.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent risk opinions on strategic initiatives.
• Monitor breaches in risk appetite.
• Conduct operational risk assessments.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Leadership skills

Risk management experience

Effective interpersonal skills

Education

Diploma or degree in business, economics, finance

Actuarial or equivalent designation

Graduate degree (e.g. MBA)

Job description

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

We are looking for a Risk Business Partner to provide strategic, independent oversight and challenge across the Personal Insurance business, ensuring that risk is effectively identified, assessed, and managed in alignment with Aviva Canada’s risk appetite and strategic objectives. This role supports the embedding of a strong risk culture and governance framework, enabling informed decision-making and sustainable business growth.

As a Risk Business Partner for the Personal Insurance business at Aviva Canada, you are accountable for delivering independent, risk-informed oversight that supports strategic decision-making, ensures alignment with Aviva’s risk appetite, and protects customer and shareholder interests. Your role influences financial outcomes, strengthens governance, and fosters a proactive risk culture across the organization.

Does this sound like your next role? Read on!

What you\'ll do

• Provide independent risk opinions on strategic initiatives and operational decisions.
• Monitor and escalate breaches in risk appetite and material exposures.
• Deliver second-line challenge across pricing, underwriting, product development, and reserving.
• Support governance pathways and contribute to ORSA and business planning processes.
• Identify and assess emerging risks, advising on mitigation strategies.
• Influence financial outcomes through oversight of insurance risk and strategic partnerships.
• Conduct thematic reviews and operational risk assessments across the business.
• Promote a culture of transparency, continuous improvement, and proactive risk management.
• Engage senior stakeholders to shape risk debate and ensure informed decision-making.
• Lead through subject matter expertise and collaboration, without direct line management.

What you\'ll bring

• Diploma or degree in business, economics, finance or other related field or equivalent experience.
• Actuarial, Underwriting, Accounting, RIMS Fellow designation or equivalent designation is considered an asset.
• A graduate degree or equivalent experience (e.g. MBA) will be considered an asset.
• 5-10 years of demonstrated ability in property/casualty insurance industry with dynamic professional experience.
• Experience in Commercial Insurance or Finance businesses areas.
• Risk management experience will be considered an asset.
• Experience of operating at senior manager level and of influencing senior management and other partners
• Relevant financial services sector experience and experience of working in a regulated environment.
• Proven experience in exercising good judgment in decision-making.
• Strong communication and relationship leadership skills.
• Good understanding of business processes, operations, and insurance principles and practices.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Self-starter with a quick learning ability
• Excellent planning and execution skills
• Effective interpersonal, leadership, and relationship-building skills in engaging with various levels of management.

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

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.

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