Vice President, Personal Lines

Vice President, Personal Lines

Description

• Develop and implement strategic plans for personal lines to achieve profitable growth targets and operational objectives.
• Align personal lines strategies with the organization’s overall vision, goals and values in collaboration with executive leadership.
• Oversee the personal lines underwriting function, ensuring that practices align with company policies, profitability standards, and risk management objectives.
• Oversee the Quality Assurance team to enhance the quality, accuracy and profitability of the personal lines portfolio.
• Develop and sustain strong relationships with key insurance markets, serving as the primary senior management liaison in managing profitability, resolving operational issues and aligning strategic goals.
• Lead the development, revision, and implementation of personal lines policies, guidelines, and processes to support high-profitability standards.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards across the portfolio and its processes.
• Review and approve complex underwriting decisions.
• Enhance process efficiency and optimize workflows by identifying and implementing strategies that streamline operations and maximize digitization.
• Collaborate with the Technology Department on the development of proprietary insurance platforms to manage business processes, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Branch Management to improve the profitability standards of sales and service at the front line.
• Maximize the use of analytics to monitor performance and drive decisions and actionable insights, including developing and evolving analytics capabilities.
• Lead and mentor a team of leaders and professionals and play a key leadership role across the organization.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, promoting operational effectiveness, professional development, and succession planning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, industry groups, vendors, and external partners as required.
• Represent the organization in industry forums and discussions, advocating for company interests and staying abreast of industry trends.

• In-depth knowledge of personal lines products, underwriting principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Proficiency in insurance industry software and tools, including underwriting and quality assurance systems.
• Experience with strategic planning and execution, operations management, and process improvement methodologies.
• Strong skills in leading and using business analytics to drive business decisions.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities, with a track record of motivating and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to various audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards, with a commitment to upholding the company’s values and standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in personal lines with at least 5 years in a senior management or executive role.
• Proven track record of successful leadership in underwriting, quality assurance, policy management, and operations planning.
• An active and unrestricted personal lines insurance license from a relevant licensing organization is an asset.
• An advanced degree (MBA, Master’s) is an asset.

• People-focused company culture.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, vision, dental, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 3 weeks’ vacation in year 1, 4 weeks in year 2.
• Birthday day off.
• Hybrid work from home / in-office environment.
• Retirement savings programs, with company-matched RRSP contributions.

• Works primarily in a standard office setting with a typical climate-controlled environment. The role requires periods of sitting, computer use, and participation in meetings or collaborative sessions. Noise levels are generally low, and the position involves minimal physical exertion.
• The role is required to travel for meetings with external insurance partners and related industry events as required.