Senior Commercial Underwriter, New Business

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Commercial Underwriter, New Business based in Canada.

This is a senior underwriting opportunity focused on delivering comprehensive insurance solutions for Canadian small businesses. You will assess commercial risks, apply strong technical judgment, and make underwriting decisions that balance customer needs, broker relationships, and business objectives. The role involves building trusted partnerships with a diverse network of brokers while developing a holistic understanding of each risk. You will operate in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where problem-solving, critical thinking, and sound commercial judgment are highly valued. As an experienced underwriter, you will also contribute to the growth of colleagues through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing. The position offers a strong platform for continued professional development and long-term career growth within commercial insurance.

Accountabilities:

• Commercial Underwriting: Assess and underwrite new commercial business for small business clients, applying sound technical expertise and judgment to determine appropriate coverage and risk acceptance decisions.
• Risk Assessment: Develop a comprehensive understanding of each risk by analyzing relevant information, identifying key exposures, and making underwriting decisions that create sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders.
• Broker Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with broker partners, working collaboratively to understand their clients' needs and provide responsive, effective underwriting solutions.
• New Business Development: Support the successful development and retention of commercial business by identifying appropriate opportunities and delivering solutions aligned with customer and portfolio needs.
• Problem Solving: Apply critical thinking and commercial judgment to address complex underwriting situations, resolve challenges, and make well-informed decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, contributing to a team-oriented environment and ensuring a consistent, customer-focused approach.
• Coaching and Mentorship: Share technical knowledge and industry expertise with less experienced underwriters, providing coaching, mentoring, and guidance to support their professional development.
• Underwriting Excellence: Contribute to a high-performing underwriting culture by sharing best practices, supporting continuous improvement, and maintaining strong technical and customer service standards.

Requirements

• Commercial Insurance Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial insurance, with strong knowledge of commercial underwriting practices and risk assessment.
• Underwriting Expertise: Demonstrated ability to evaluate commercial risks, make sound underwriting decisions, and develop solutions that address the needs of brokers and business clients.
• CIP Designation: Completed or currently pursuing the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation is an asset.
• Small Business Knowledge: Experience working with small business insurance and related commercial risks is considered an advantage.
• Customer Focus: Strong customer service skills with the ability to understand stakeholder needs and build productive, trusted relationships with broker partners.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities, with the ability to evaluate information carefully and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication and Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with brokers, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Coaching Mindset: A willingness and ability to support the development of colleagues through knowledge sharing, coaching, and mentorship.
• Team Orientation: A team-first mentality, with the ability to contribute positively to a collaborative and dynamic working environment.
• Adaptability: Comfortable managing changing priorities and working effectively in a fast-paced commercial insurance environment.

Benefits

• Hybrid Flexibility: Flexible hybrid working arrangements allow you to work from home up to 2 days per week, with additional flexibility when personal circumstances require it.
• Competitive Compensation: Competitive salary packages designed to support your financial well-being.
• Financial Benefits: Employee share purchase plans, pension plans, RRSP opportunities, staff insurance discounts, and other financial support programs.
• Health and Wellness: Flexible health benefits, early leave days, wellness programs, rewards, and recognition initiatives designed to support overall well-being.
• Professional Development: Education assistance for CIP, FCIP, CRM, and other relevant courses, alongside leadership training and mentoring programs.
• Career Mobility: Opportunities for internal mobility and continued professional growth across different areas of the organization.
• Community Support: Donation matching and team volunteer days that provide opportunities to contribute to causes and communities that matter to you.
• Inclusive Workplace: A commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where employees are valued, respected, and provided with appropriate accommodations throughout the selection process.