Vice President Small Business Operations

Aviva Canada; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance firm in York Region is seeking a VP of Small Business Operations to lead their underwriting organization. The role involves driving profitable growth, shaping operational models, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Ideal candidates have a strong background in underwriting, leadership experience, and an ability to manage broker relationships effectively. This key leadership position prioritizes collaboration and digital transformation in the small business insurance sector. The firm values inclusion and provides support for employee growth.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace culture

Career support and growth opportunities

Accommodations for disabilities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of underwriting experience with leadership responsibility.
• Proven ability to inspire, coach, and develop teams.
• Solid understanding of market trends and competitive dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Small Business underwriting organization with full accountability for portfolio performance.
• Shape and deliver the operating model for efficiency and digital innovation.
• Drive customer strategy to elevate satisfaction and service performance.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Lines product expertise

Broker relationship management

Strategic account management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, or related field

Job description

Experience Aviva

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

At Aviva Canada, we put people first, our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most.

The Opportunity

The VP, Small Business Operations leads Aviva’s Small Business underwriting organization, driving profitable growth, underwriting excellence, and a market‑leading digital and broker experience. This role sets strategic direction, builds underwriting capability, and strengthens Aviva’s competitive position in the small business insurance market.

You will lead a national underwriting team, influence strategy, and own the development of an efficient, scalable operating model that delivers outstanding customer and broker outcomes. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for optimizing small business underwriting and digital journeys.

What you’ll do

• Lead the Small Business underwriting organization with full accountability for portfolio performance and growth.
• Shape and deliver the Small Business operating model, enabling scale, efficiency, and digital innovation.
• Drive customer strategy, elevating satisfaction, service performance, and overall customer outcomes.
• Develop and elevate underwriting expertise and leadership capability across the business unit.
• Manage the business unit operating expense budget with strong financial discipline.
• Lead broker engagement nationally, strengthening relationships and driving trading performance.
• Oversee governance, risk, and compliance in alignment with Aviva’s standards.
• Champion and lead national initiatives, including system enhancements, portfolio transitions, and vendor selections.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional partners to enhance efficiency, automation, and digital underwriting journeys.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of underwriting experience with leadership responsibility.
• Strong Commercial Lines product and underwriting expertise.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and operate effectively in complex environments.
• Strong broker relationship management and strategic account management skills.
• A broad network of relationships with key Canadian brokerages.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, and trading solutions.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and portfolio management.
• Knowledge of insurance legislation, governance, and risk frameworks.
• Effective problem‑solving and conflict management capabilities.
• High level of IT literacy; experience with systems thinking is an asset.
• Professional insurance designations (CIP, FCIP, CRM) preferred.

What makes you stand out

• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is a new position which has been posted internally & externally.

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.