Commercial Underwriter

March 19, 2024

Job Description


Job title: Commercial Underwriter

Company: Aviva

Job description: Aviva Canada Inc. has an excellent opportunity in our commercial insurance business unit. Our Commercial Insurance Branch located in London, ON, has opportunities for Commercial Lines Underwriters.

As a Middle Market Underwriter, the accountability in this role is to drive profitable growth through quality underwriting with a middle market commercial focus, these are medium-sized accounts in select segments focusing on wholesale, manufacturing and contractors which typically fall above the annual premium band of $25,000. As an Underwriter, you are accountable to collaborate with internal partners to identify new business opportunities and to provide superior technical expertise to brokers and customers to price the risk appropriately.

As an Underwriter you will service a portfolio of commercial insurance business requiring a proven underwriting ability and a dedication to customer service perfection. You will be involved in the underwriting of small to mid-sized commercial property and casualty accounts, with premiums up to $24,000, as well an opportunity to showcase your commercial underwriting knowledge. We are interested in speaking with insightful business minded underwriters. You will champion excellent relationships through daily management of an assigned broker portfolio.

What you will do :

  • Qualify and underwrite deal through understanding needs and risk characteristics of the customer, ensuring benefit from both top-line and profitability perspective.
  • Develop and maintain relationships cross-functionally and external stakeholders, to deliver exceptional broker and customer service.
  • Act as a point of escalation for more junior underwriters to refer Middle Market risks, and authorize risks within own established authority levels.
  • Maintain the quality and profitability of the portfolio, and refer all risks outside established authority level to Specialist.
  • Provide insight on market research and analysis; develop business cases for pricing, coverage and/or product improvements.
  • Contribute to the introduction and communication of pricing, coverage and/or product changes on time, including creating underwriter bulletins, contributing to the development of underwriting guidelines, procedures, and manuals.
  • Help identify areas of concern regarding loss ratios, risk trends, or other discrepancies, applying remediation strategies as appropriate.
  • Build knowledge of all Information Systems/Programs within Commercial Insurance.
  • Support maintenance of a compliant underwriting environment in relation to filed rates and rules.
  • Participate in regulatory filings for rate changes and build filings for forms and underwriting
  • Maintain knowledge of industry trends, developments, and regulatory changes.

What you will bring :

  • At least 4 years’ experience in commercial Insurance underwriting
  • Post-secondary education (Business or related discipline) or equivalent practical experience
  • CIP/FCIP preferred
  • Strong knowledge of underwriting, pricing and product in key segments, i.e. Wholesaling, Manufacturing and/or Contractors
  • Working knowledge of other functional areas (i.e. Claims, Risk Management, Accounting, etc.).
  • Strong level of understanding of underwriting philosophy, policy contracts, rating programs, risk information sources, underwriting/technical manual information, statuary constraints, and computer workflow procedures.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, RTM, Commercial systems and other related systems.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner to develop long-term relationships with brokers and customers.
  • Ability to work with internal business partners to deliver a great broker and customer experience.
  • Ability to be self-motivated and proactively pursue potential business opportunities with brokers and customers.
  • Ability to listen to broker and customer needs in order to effectively and efficiently meet them.

What you’ll get

  • Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Outstanding Career Development opportunities.
  • We’ll support your professional development education.
  • Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year
  • Employee driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity and inclusion
  • Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health
  • Hybrid flexible work model

Additional Information:

Aviva Canada is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities during all phases of the hiring process including the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to meet your needs. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Talent Acquisition Partner who will consult with you to determine an appropriate accommodation.

Expected salary:

Location: London

Location