VP, Head of Risk Underwriting, Canada

Coface North America Insurance Company; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Coface North America Insurance Company is seeking a VP, Head of Risk Underwriting for its Canadian team. This position oversees the management of trade credit insurance portfolios, collaborating with clients and leading a team focused on assessing credit risks. Suitable candidates should hold relevant qualifications and experience in financial services or credit insurance, emphasizing strong management and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in credit insurance or financial services.
• Experience managing or leading teams.
• Knowledge of credit insurance products and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Canada's trade credit insurance portfolio and lead risk underwriters.
• Engage in regular communication with clients and brokers.
• Monitor key buyer risks and portfolio profitability.

Skills

Financial statement analysis

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting

M.B.A. or CFA

Tools

Key IT resources

Job description

Job Description

WHO WE ARE

A modern and agile company with a highly interconnected international network, Coface is a leader in credit insurance and risk management. With over 70 years of industry experience and a team of 4,100 experts across more than 65 countries, serving around 50,000 companies, Coface works to the rhythm of the global economy. Our ambition is to become the most agile, global business information partner in the industry. We believe in business as a force for good in the world.

We support our clients worldwide, helping them make credit decisions that strengthen their ability to sell domestically and internationally. Sharing a passion for trade, we aim to collaborate with our clients to build successful, growing, and dynamic businesses. By fostering stronger businesses, we contribute to a smoothly functioning economy. This is our purpose.

THE JOB

We are seeking a VP, Head of Risk Underwriting, Canada for our Canadian Risk Underwriting Team. The Risk Underwriting Manager will oversee the proactive management of Canada’s trade credit insurance portfolio and lead a team of risk underwriters assessing creditworthiness of Canadian companies. The role involves direct reports, monthly portfolio monitoring, client communication, credit limit decision-making, team development, and participation in broader North American risk initiatives.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement and promote quality and productivity standards aligned with the Group Risk Underwriting Department.
• Engage in regular communication with clients and brokers regarding exposure, portfolio analysis, and credit decisions.
• Collaborate with international colleagues to improve processes, decision-making, and customer experience.
• Monitor key buyer risks and portfolio profitability, managing the risk portfolio proactively.
• Validate Maximum Standard Exposure (MSE) reports to set risk ceilings.
• Lead ongoing training, coaching, feedback, team-building activities, and performance reviews.
• Manage daily workflow and ensure adequate team coverage.
• Develop trade-sector specific risk strategies and monitor sector developments.
• Coordinate with Collections and Claims for post-mortem analyses and knowledge sharing.
• Partner with the Commercial team to align market strategies and share risk insights.
• Participate in ad-hoc reporting and portfolio monitoring initiatives based on compliance and audit feedback.

THE CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will have strong soft skills, a solid understanding of financial statement analysis, effective time management, operational mindset, and keen attention to detail. They should be comfortable engaging with stakeholders internally and externally.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or related field; an M.B.A. or CFA is advantageous.
• 3–5+ years of experience in credit insurance or financial services, with demonstrated growth in underwriting authority.
• Experience managing or leading high-performance teams.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency with key IT resources.
• Knowledge of credit insurance products, corporate finance, and market trends.