VP Portfolio Analytics, Canada

Markel; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic analytics leader to drive data science initiatives across its Canadian operations. This role involves integrating advanced analytics into underwriting processes, leveraging Machine Learning, and collaborating with international teams to enhance performance analysis. The ideal candidate will possess strong actuarial skills, experience in predictive analytics, and the ability to influence stakeholders effectively. Join a company that values diversity, innovation, and a people-first approach, and help shape the future of insurance in Canada.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong technical actuarial skills in commercial lines and problem-solving.
• Experience with predictive analytics and Machine Learning in P&C insurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytics across the Canadian operation, integrating segmentation into underwriting.
• Develop strategic and predictive analytics for underwriting decisions.

Skills

Machine Learning

Predictive Analytics

Data Visualization

Actuarial Skills

Stakeholder Influence

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Actuarial Science or related field

Professional Actuary Designation

Tools

SQL

Python

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The primary function of this position is to lead and represent analytics across the Canadian operation. Responsibilities include integrating segmentation into underwriting, discovering new methods and data for performance analysis, and advancing the use of Machine Learning and other data science techniques. This will be supported by local Operations and the wider International Portfolio Analytics team.

About Markel

At Markel, we believe that what we do really matters. Every one of us has the power to make a difference. To us, insurance is more than a piece of paper; it’s a promise to help people get back on their feet, a commitment that gives people the courage to take chances, and in uncertain times, the fuel that moves the world forward.

Since the start, we’ve used our ingenuity to insure risks that others can’t. We find smart solutions to complex problems so people can live their lives and seize opportunities.

Our style focuses on people’s needs, building relationships, and connecting as humans. Ultimately, it’s about being there for people when they need us most.

Our journey is just beginning. Together, we’re building a business that supports more people, in more places. We will never lose our people-first focus as we grow, because our people make Markel special and continue to power our business forward.

Markel Group (NYSE – MKL) is a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, serving as a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory, and investment operations worldwide.

Learn more on our websites: www.markel.ca and www.markelinternational.com

About the Team

This role will work with both Markel’s onshore team in Canada and the International Portfolio Analytics team based in London. Markel operates throughout Canada from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, working within the National Markets division to be a top specialty insurer. The International Portfolio Analytics team is a multi-functional, autonomous team working across Markel International, focusing on Portfolio Management, Advanced Analytics, Data & Insights, and Pricing Model deployment.

The Opportunity

The position’s main function is to lead analytics across the Canadian operation, including integrating segmentation into underwriting, discovering new data and methods for performance analysis, and advancing Machine Learning and data science techniques, supported by local and international teams.

Key stakeholders include the Canadian Leadership Team, Product Line Leaders, Field Underwriters, Underwriting, Finance, and Actuarial functions.

The role supports underwriting functions within Markel Canada, including Cyber, Environmental, Casualty, Digital, Property, and Professional & Financial Risks.

What We Ask of You

• Support active portfolio and data management across Canada.
• Assist Portfolio Leaders and Underwriters in portfolio management and profitability, providing recommendations for improvements.
• Monitor performance drivers and support performance improvement initiatives.
• Participate in quarterly business planning, setting up reviews aligned with strategic goals.
• Develop strategic and predictive analytics, advocating for data science and automation in underwriting decisions.
• Oversee regional Data & Analytics team, ensuring data quality and strategic data use.
• Prioritize pricing initiatives, including automated rating and model monitoring.
• Collaborate across teams to resolve issues and support business priorities.
• Represent the analytics team, providing management reports and insights.
• Foster a culture of experimentation aimed at value creation.
• Support financial growth models and actuals vs. plans analysis.

What You Will Bring to the Role

• Strong technical actuarial skills in commercial lines, with independent problem-solving abilities.
• Understanding of regional products and the specialty insurance market.
• Experience with predictive analytics and Machine Learning in P&C insurance.
• Excellent communication and data visualization skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and articulate complex ideas effectively.
• Proven project leadership and delivery skills.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and familiarity with SQL, Python/R is desirable.

Our Values

We’re all about people, winning together, striving for better, enjoying the everyday, and thinking further. We believe in empowering people, building relationships, leading in our field, maintaining a positive work environment, and making a lasting impact.

Markel values diversity and inclusion, supporting flexible working arrangements. We are a Disability Confident employer and committed to accessible hiring practices. For application info, visit our careers page.