Senior Program Underwriter – MGA & Partnerships (Hybrid)

Zurich Insurance; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich Canada is seeking a Senior Underwriter to analyze and underwrite new and renewal business within delegated authority, supporting a hybrid model with three in-person days. Reporting to the VP of Programs, you will drive underwriting across complex Program and MGA opportunities, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure profitability and client satisfaction.

This role emphasizes broker/MGA relationship management, rigorous due diligence, and the development of solid business cases

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
• Experience underwriting commercial multi-line business.
• Experience with delegated authority arrangements, Program business and facultative reinsurance structures.
• Experience managing broker, client, or MGA relationships.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new Program and MGA opportunities aligned with Zurich's strategic objectives, underwriting appetite, and profitability targets.
• Manage a portfolio of assigned Programs and MGA partnerships, ensuring profitable growth, retention, and long-term sustainability.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned Programs, MGAs, brokers, and key stakeholders.
• Lead the underwriting, due diligence, and evaluation of new Program and MGA opportunities, including operational, financial, claims, compliance, governance, and distribution assessments.
• Develop and present business cases for new opportunities, including growth potential, profitability, operational requirements, reinsurance considerations, and strategic fit.
• Negotiate terms, conditions, capacity, delegated authority arrangements, and commercial agreements to successfully close and retain business.
• Lead cross-functional onboarding and implementation of new Programs and MGA partnerships, coordinating with Actuarial, Claims, Operations, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Technical Underwriting, IT, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure successful implementation of new Programs through effective project management, stakeholder communication, and delivery of key milestones.
• Monitor portfolio performance and analyze premium growth, rate adequacy, loss trends, retention, and profitability metrics.
• Collaborate with Actuarial and Reinsurance teams to evaluate program structures, pricing adequacy, capital requirements, and reinsurance strategies.
• Develop and maintain a qualified pipeline of opportunities 120 to 180 days prior to effective dates.
• Conduct broker, MGA, and client meetings with a clear strategic purpose and documented follow-up actions.
• Maintain accurate account documentation and update underwriting systems, pipeline reports, and management reporting tools within established timelines.
• Provide expertise and guidance on coverage interpretation, underwriting strategy, delegated authority governance, and claims-related issues.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of underwriting guidelines, governance frameworks, onboarding procedures, and best practices.
• Develop and deliver presentations to internal leadership, brokers, MGAs, and prospective partners.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend process improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the Programs business.

Skills

Commercial underwriting

Broker/MGA relationship management

Negotiation

Portfolio management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree

CPCU, FCIP, CIP, CRM or equivalent designation

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Zurich Canada is seeking a Senior Underwriter to analyze and underwrite new and renewal business within delegated authority, supporting a hybrid model with three in-person days. Reporting to the VP of Programs, you will drive underwriting across complex Program and MGA opportunities, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure profitability and client satisfaction.

This role emphasizes broker/MGA relationship management, rigorous due diligence, and the development of solid business cases