Senior Underwriter

ICBA | Independent Contractors and Businesses Association; Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses based on performance

Comprehensive benefits (health, dental

RRSP matching

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Diverse clientele

Job summary

ICBA | Independent Contractors and Businesses Association is seeking a Senior Underwriter to evaluate, price, negotiate, and manage group benefits business. You will collaborate with carriers, advisors, and client teams to deliver competitive employee benefit solutions while controlling risk and ensuring financial stability.

The role requires a strategic underwriting mindset, renewal leadership, and contributions to product development within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in group benefits underwriting.
• Advanced knowledge of employee group benefits, pooling and funding models.
• Experience with major Canadian carriers and third-party administrators.
• Post-secondary education in business, finance, mathematics, economics, or related discipline is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate new business opportunities for group benefit plans.
• Review census data, claims experience, financial information, and plan design to assess risk.
• Develop pricing strategies for fully insured, ASO and pooled arrangements.
• Lead renewal analysis and negotiation with carriers and underwriting partners.
• Provide technical guidance on plan design, taxation, funding arrangements, pooling, and risk management.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Relationship-building

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Excel

Data analysis

Risk management

Education

Post-secondary education in business/finance/economics

Tools

Excel

Job description

ICBA is a fully integrated business in both BC and Alberta, that combines public policy advocacy, workforce development, group benefits, wellness programs, and member services to support employers and their teams across Canada. With more than 6,000 members and clients, ICBA is one of the largest business associations in Canada.

More than 320,000 Canadians are supported by an ICBA employee benefit plan, while members also gain access to apprenticeship sponsorship, training programs, labour relations resources, mental wellness initiatives, HR tools, and industry advocacy.ICBA’s third party administration platform provides its clients with traditional group health plans and offers access to the largest hour bank plans in Canada.

The platform is powered by proprietary technology, including Bridge IT Systems which provides digital enrolment, benefit administration, reporting, payroll integration, and self-service capabilities.

By bringing these services together under a single operating model, ICBA helps organizations reduce administrative burden, strengthen their workforce, improve employee experience, and support long-term business growth.

Position Summary

The Senior Underwriter is responsible for the evaluation, pricing, negotiation, and ongoing management of group benefits business for ICBA Benefits. This role works closely with insurance carriers, advisors, account executives, consultants, and client service teams to develop competitive employee benefits solutions while managing risk and maintaining sustainable financial outcomes.

As a senior member of the Underwriting & Consulting team, the Senior Underwriter provides strategic underwriting expertise, supports new business growth, oversees renewal negotiations, and contributes to product development and market intelligence initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Underwriting & Risk Assessment

• Analyze and evaluate new business opportunities for group benefit plans.
• Review employee census data, claims experience, financial information, and plan design details to assess risk.
• Develop pricing strategies and recommendations for fully insured, ASO, and pooled arrangements.
• Determine appropriate risk tolerance and underwriting terms.
• Provide underwriting recommendations to internal stakeholders and carrier partners.

Renewal Management

• Lead annual renewal analysis for assigned client portfolio.
• Review claims utilization, trend assumptions, and financial performance.
• Negotiate renewal outcomes with carriers and underwriting partners.
• Prepare renewal summaries, benchmarking reports, and strategic recommendations.

Carrier & Market Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with insurance carrier underwriting teams.
• Negotiate pricing, plan design enhancements, pooling arrangements, and contract terms.
• Monitor carrier market trends, product developments, and underwriting guidelines.
• Identify opportunities to improve competitiveness and client value.

Consulting & Strategic Support

• Support Account Executives and consultants with complex client cases.
• Provide technical guidance regarding plan design, taxation, funding arrangements, pooling, and risk management.
• Assist with RFPs, finalist presentations, and large group marketing exercises.
• Participate in strategic client meetings as a subject matter expert.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in group benefits underwriting.
• Advanced knowledge of employee group benefits, pooling arrangements, and funding models.
• Experience working with major Canadian carriers and third-party administrators.
• Post-secondary education in business, finance, mathematics, economics, or a related discipline is an asset.

Technical Skills

• Strong financial and analytical abilities.
• Experience with experience-rating and renewal analysis.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Ability to interpret complex claims and financial data.
• Strong understanding of risk management principles in the group insurance marketplace.

Professional Skills

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building abilities.
• Strategic and consultative mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Reporting to Director, Underwriting and Consulting

A great culture and work experience with:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and life insurance,as well as a matching RRSP.
• Work from work policy, connecting daily with the dynamic platform and team.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Supportive team environment that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• A chance to work with a diverse clientele and make a positive impact on their businesses and employees' lives.