Underwriting Specialist, National Accounts Casualty

CNA Insurance; Toronto; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Performance-based total rewards

Job summary

CNA Insurance is seeking an experienced underwriter in Toronto, Ontario, to assess and underwrite complex casualty risks, including large multi-layered programs. The ideal candidate will have at least eight to ten years of casualty underwriting experience, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to lead and mentor junior team members.

This position offers a salary range of $115,000 to $140,000 along with a competitive benefits package aimed at supporting employee wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight to ten years of casualty underwriting experience.
• Significant exposure to large/complex or national account business.
• Professional designations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite complex casualty risks and assess acceptability.
• Negotiate terms and structure with brokers.
• Evaluate portfolio performance and manage book strategy.
• Mentor junior underwriters and support their development.
• Develop business strategies targeting key brokers and accounts.

Skills

Casualty underwriting expertise

Negotiation skills

Analytical mindset

Relationship management

Project management

Leadership and mentorship

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Professional designations (e.g., CIP, FCIP)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

AI-enabled technologies

Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Underwrites highly complex casualty risks, including large, multi-layered programs involving primary, excess/umbrella, and alternative risk structures (e.g., captives, large deductibles, SIRs), using a diagnostic approach to assess acceptability.
• Designs customized casualty programs, including manuscript endorsements, coverage enhancements, and alignment across multiple lines and jurisdictions.
• Determines pricing strategies for complex risks based on exposure analysis, loss drivers, financials, and market conditions, aligned with profitability targets and underwriting authority.
• Evaluates program structure, attachment points, and limit deployment to maximize risk-adjusted returns.
• Negotiates terms, conditions, pricing, and program structure with brokers, balancing competitiveness with disciplined underwriting standards.
• Analyzes portfolio performance (rate, retention, profitability, and mix of business) and actively manages book strategy to achieve growth and margin objectives.
• Partners with actuarial, claims, risk control, and multinational teams to assess loss trends, emerging risks, and program performance.
• Develops and executes business development strategies targeting key brokers, large national accounts and complex risk opportunities, including cross-border and multiline placements.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key brokers and clients to position CNA as a lead or meaningful participant on complex casualty programs.
• Monitors regulatory, legal, and industry developments across jurisdictions, incorporating changes into underwriting strategy.
• Mentors junior underwriters and supports technical development.
• Leads or contributes to strategic underwriting initiatives, portfolio reviews and key projects.
• Utilizes underwriting, pricing, and portfolio management tools to support decision‑making and execution.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Deep technical expertise in casualty underwriting, including primary GL, umbrella/excess liability, and loss‑sensitive program structures.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship‑management skills with brokers, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to assess complex data, identify trends and inform underwriting strategy.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, high‑stakes environments requiring judgment and creativity.
• Strong ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Demonstrated leadership through influence, mentorship, and technical guidance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other business‑related software.
• 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.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; professional designations (e.g., CIP, FCIP) preferred.
• Typically a minimum eight to ten years of casualty underwriting experience, with significant exposure to large/complex or national account business.

Total Rewards

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 $115,000 to $140,000, 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.

EEO Statement

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.