Senior Underwriter, Programs

CNA Insurance; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Career development

Job summary

CNA Insurance in Toronto, Ontario is seeking a Market Facing Senior Underwriter for its Programs specialization. Responsibilities include underwriting complex risks, pricing decisions, broker negotiations, and maintaining broker relationships.

The role requires significant technical expertise and the ability to work with various CNA teams. Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree (professional designations preferred) and about five years of underwriting experience in Programs or Commercial

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; professional designations preferred.
• Typically five years underwriting experience within Programs or Commercial Auto.

Responsibilities

• Reviews applications and financial requirements for complex risks and determines acceptability.
• Determines pricing based on financial/competitive analysis and compliance.
• Prepares quotes and negotiates with Brokers to achieve profitable outcomes.
• Markets products through brokers and maintains broker relationships.
• Keeps current on industry regulations and uses CNA systems to perform tasks.

Skills

Underwriting knowledge

Negotiation

Communication

Independence

Analytical thinking

Leadership

MS Office

AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Professional designations preferred

Tools

Copilot

Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.

Under technical direction, the market facing Senior Underwriter is responsible for underwriting risks in a book of business within our Programs specialization. Works within specific limits of authority on assignments requiring significant technical complexity and coordination. Utilizes underwriting policies and guidelines, rating manual rules and insurance laws and regulations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Reviews applications and financial requirements for risks requiring complex underwriting skills. Determines acceptability of risk in accordance with company guidelines and standards. Also, determines the need for additional evidence of insurability and appropriate strategy.
• Determines appropriate pricing based on financial and competitive analysis in line with compliance requirements.
• Prepares quotes and answers questions from Brokers, policyholders or other external contacts and escalates issues to management along with proposed solutions as necessary. Negotiates with brokers to reach positive and profitable outcomes.
• Notifies brokers of adverse underwriting decisions, rate changes, underwriting requirements, status and declinations.
• Analyzes quality, quantity, and profitability of risks underwritten and prepares reports for management review.
• Markets products and services through the brokerage community and makes field visits. Develops and maintains broker relationships.
• May provide guidance and assistance to other underwriters and to other functional areas, particularly when related to cross-sell opportunities.
• Keeps current on provincial and federal issues and regulations, industry activity and trends and freely shares information with others.
• Utilizes advanced functionality in relevant CNA systems to perform day-to-day activities.
• Works with more specialists or management on risks exceeding authority level or requiring special handling.

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of underwriting and insurance industry theories and practices.
• Demonstrated high level of technical expertise and product specific knowledge.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of CNA's internal and external business partners.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and to make critical business decisions effectively.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other enterprise business tools, including responsible use of AI‑enabled technologies (such as Copilot or similar) to enhance efficiency, analysis and workflow in accordance with company policies.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional designations preferred.
• Typically a minimum five years underwriting experience within Programs or Commercial Auto.

Our Total Rewards philosophy reflects our commitment to building a high-performing, inclusive culture where every team member is empowered to grow, contribute, and thrive. We value the unique strengths and perspectives each individual brings to our business, our clients, and our communities. The base salary range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000, complemented by a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional, and social wellbeing goals. Base salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. Please note that this posting is for an existing vacancy.

At CNA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job. If you require an accommodation during the hiring process or upon hire, please inform Human Resources. If a selected applicant requests accommodation during the recruitment process, CNA will consult with the applicant in order to provide suitable accommodation that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs.