Senior Underwriter

Senior Underwriter

The Opportunity

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 commercial underwriting and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a Senior Underwriter. Reporting to the VP of Programs you will analyze and underwrite new and renewal business, under limited direction, utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high level service to customers.

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

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence–enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in-person presence, which may include time in the office or market-facing engagements.

What you'll do

• Proactively identify, qualify, and pursue new Program and MGA opportunities that align with Zurich's strategic objectives, underwriting appetite, and profitability targets.

• Manage a portfolio of assigned Programs and MGA partnerships, ensuring profitable growth, retention, and long-term sustainability.

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned Programs, MGAs, brokers, and key stakeholders.

• Lead the underwriting, due diligence, and evaluation of new Program and MGA opportunities, including operational, financial, claims, compliance, governance, and distribution assessments.

• Develop and present business cases for new opportunities, including growth potential, profitability, operational requirements, reinsurance considerations, and strategic fit.

• Negotiate terms, conditions, capacity, delegated authority arrangements, and commercial agreements to successfully close and retain business.

• Lead cross-functional onboarding and implementation of new Programs and MGA partnerships, coordinating with Actuarial, Claims, Operations, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Technical Underwriting, IT, and other stakeholders.

• Ensure successful implementation of new Programs through effective project management, stakeholder communication, and delivery of key milestones.

• Monitor portfolio performance and analyze premium growth, rate adequacy, loss trends, retention, and profitability metrics.

• Collaborate with Actuarial and Reinsurance teams to evaluate program structures, pricing adequacy, capital requirements, and reinsurance strategies.

• Develop and maintain a qualified pipeline of opportunities 120 to 180 days prior to effective dates.

• Conduct broker, MGA, and client meetings with a clear strategic purpose and documented follow-up actions.

• Maintain accurate account documentation and update underwriting systems, pipeline reports, and management reporting tools within established timelines.

• Provide expertise and guidance on coverage interpretation, underwriting strategy, delegated authority governance, and claims-related issues.

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of underwriting guidelines, governance frameworks, onboarding procedures, and best practices.

• Develop and deliver presentations to internal leadership, brokers, MGAs, and prospective partners.

• Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend process improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the Programs business.

• Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

Required:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.

• OR

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area

• OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area

• OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area

• AND

• Experience underwriting commercial multi-line business.

• Experience developing and presenting business cases.

• Experience working within defined underwriting authority levels.

• Experience managing broker, client, or MGA relationships.

• Working knowledge of delegated authority arrangements, Program business and facultative reinsurance structures.

• Strong analytical, negotiation, and relationship management skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of commercial underwriting experience with Program or MGA business.

• Multi-line underwriting experience including Property, Casualty, Umbrella, Crime, and Specialty Lines.

• Experience onboarding and implementing complex insurance programs.

• Experience leading cross-functional projects and initiatives.

• Strong financial and portfolio management acumen.

• Experience analyzing profitability, loss trends, and performance metrics.

• Bilingual English/French an asset

• CPCU, FCIP, CIP, CRM, or equivalent industry designation.

• Project Management experience or certification considered an asset.

• At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is $90,000 - 130,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate’s skills and experience.

• Our Culture

• At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.

• We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.

• We care about our employees’ well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.

• We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.

• We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.

• We are committed to continuous improvement and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

• We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.

• We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

• Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

• About Us

• Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide