AVP, Technical Underwriter (TUW), Property, Programs

AVP, Technical Underwriter (TUW), Property, Programs

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

If you have experience in property underwriting and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for an AVP, Technical Underwriting in Programs & MGA’s. As a Property and Casualty Subject Matter expert, you will provide technical underwriting and guidance to Program and MGA Underwriters to support the achievement of our business plan for profitable growth nationally.

Reporting to the Head of Programs & MGA, you will partner with leaders and underwriters to implement and monitor strategic and tactical initiatives to drive the growth of the portfolio to achieve business objectives. You will implement and communicate underwriting strategy, including guidelines, appetite, product, pricing and process, employing best practices across all regions.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters.

This is a hybrid work opportunity.

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

1. Bachelor's Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the property underwriting area OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the property underwriting area
2. Strong analytical and decision-making skills
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
4. Proven ability to lead projects and initiatives
5. Experience with compliance and regulatory requirements
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team and to multi-task
7. FCIP or equivalent designation

What you will do

1. Provide expert underwriting guidance to the Programs & MGA Business Unit for smart risk selection in support of business plans, proposition development, and learning and development initiatives.
2. Ensure underwriting rules and frameworks are adhered to, communicating to the business with timely updates, changes and learnings.
3. Manage underwriting referrals for empowerment demonstrating expertise of Property & Casualty perils.
4. Identify trends to support improvements and action plans.
5. Drive the implementation underwriting strategy and guidelines, in line with technical standards, the Programs & MGA business strategy and best underwriting practices.
6. Continually assess risk appetite and product to ensure suitability, implement changes as needed.
7. Influence strong decision making based on primary data sources. Research data sources, including market and industry data, identify internal and external trends and developments, analyze key themes and make recommendations to inform process, policy and/or product development.
8. Assist UWs in drafting Delegation of Authority Guidelines and ensure it complies with the BU’s strategy and overall Zurich guidelines.
9. Act as the technical leader on the Program & MGA deal team, supporting onboarding of new opportunities with wording reviews, technical due diligence, review of T&Cs, portfolio fit and Head Office approvals.
10. Lead material preparation and technical presentations to ExCo as part of quarterly business review processes. Support new business decision group process as per same.
11. Act as subject matter expert for wordings, coverages and underwriting guidelines.
12. Develop a training plan for the UWs focusing on Guidelines, UW priorities, strategic orientations, etc., in collaboration with key stakeholders, learning and development.
13. Coordinate translation projects, budget and queries.
14. Act as the Technical contact person for the BU and relay information to/from TUW teams (product designers and Technical Directors).
15. Operate in established Zurich Risk Policy, Global Underwriting Policy and underwriting governance policies; operationalize the policies into guidelines and best practices.
16. Address specific technical queries from external and internal customers, in line with the organization´s policies, processes and regulatory requirements.
17. Lead Audit and Due Diligence plan for Programs (SOP, DPR, MPRs, TUR, Spot Checks) and act as contact person for the Compliance and Governance teams.
18. Contribute to the development of action plans and agreed upon action items.
19. Participate in compliance-related queries, including regulatory reviews and as required.
20. Act as lead and main contact person for any other audit involving the BU (OSFI, FSRA, Revenue Agencies, etc.).
21. Ensure successful implementation of key technical initiatives by consulting with executives and other leaders to gain their commitment and improve their business effectiveness.
22. Add value by identifying need to modify Strategic Business Unit/Shared Services Unit policies, programs or services and develop cost-effective proposals.
23. Investigate, recommend and deliver high quality, strategic technical solutions and ensure post-implementation project review.

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years.