Sr Manager, Product & Underwriting

Definity Financial; Toronto; On-site; CAD 87,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in Toronto is seeking an experienced professional to lead the strategic development and execution of underwriting policies for home and auto insurance products. The role requires over 8 years of experience in personal insurance and proven leadership in a digital environment. Responsibilities include developing underwriting strategies and collaborating across teams. Salary range is competitive at $87,400 - $161,000.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in personal insurance, with a strong focus on product management and underwriting.
• Proven leadership experience in a direct-to-consumer or digital insurance environment.
• Deep understanding of home and auto insurance products, pricing, and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement underwriting strategies aligned with company operational plan and market trends.
• Lead underwriting initiatives to optimize pricing, risk selection, and portfolio performance.
• Monitor competitive landscape and regulatory changes to inform product innovation.

Skills

Strategic Thinking & Execution

Risk Management & Compliance

Leadership & Team Development

Customer-Centric Mindset

Digital Fluency & Innovation

Collaboration & Influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Insurance, Actuarial Science, or related field

MBA or CIP/FCIP designation

Tools

Microsoft Office suite of products

Job description

Reporting to the AVP, Product and Underwriting, the role is responsible for leadingstrategic development and execution of underwriting policies, practices, and risk management for direct-to-consumer home and auto insurance products. This role ensures profitable growth, regulatory compliance, andcompetitive customer-centric productswhile fostering innovation in a digital-first environment.

What can you expect from this role?

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement underwriting strategies aligned with company operational plan and market trends.
• Lead underwriting initiatives to optimize pricing, risk selection, and portfolio performance.
• Monitor competitive landscape and regulatory changes to inform product innovation and differentiation.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on product development and market expansion.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day underwriting philosophy, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Monitor underwriting guidelines, workflows, and quality assurance protocols.
• Set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and implement training programs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Technology & Innovation

• Partner with product and tech teams to enhance underwriting automation and digital tools.
• Leverage data analytics and AI to improve risk assessment and decision-making.
• Drive adoption of modern underwriting platforms and customer-centric solutions.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work cross-functionally with digital, product, portfolio management, pricing, claims, marketing, analytics and legal teams.
• Represent underwriting in strategic planning, regulatory discussions, and partner engagements.
• Provide insights and reporting to senior leadership on underwriting performance and competitive landscape.

What do you bring to the role?

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Insurance, Actuarial Science, or related field (MBA or CIP/FCIP designation is an asset)
• 8+ years of progressive experience in personal insurance, with a strong focus on product management and underwriting
• Proven leadership experience in a direct-to-consumer or digital insurance environment
• Strong collaboration skills, strategic thinking and stakeholder management
• Deep understanding of home and auto insurance products, pricing, and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent analytical and problem solving with the ability to select and implement best solution
• Advanced decision-making skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of products

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Execution
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Leadership & Team Development
• Customer-Centric Mindset
• Digital Fluency & Innovation
• Collaboration & Influence

Salary range is $87,400 - $161,000