AVP Auto, Technical Underwriting

Job Summary

To provide technical underwriting expertise and guidance to Business Units and Underwriters, acting independently and with minimal direction and as Subject Matter Expert in all aspects of a line of business (LoB) or product line, to enable achievement of business plan and the delivery of excellent customer service. 

Job Accountabilities - Key Accountabilities

• Operationalize an underwriting business strategy through active engagement with internal and external stakeholders utilizing market and industry data to drive decision making.
• Lead the due diligence for auto on all programs and MGA business and be responsible for developing and conducting training for front line underwriters in line with Zurich’s ambition to provide market leading underwriting education.
• Implement risk appetite changes based on relevant internal and external data.
• Contribute to the development of technical standards, controls and practices in line of business or product line.
• Working with cross-functional resources, actively drive the implementation of Underwriting strategies (e.g. Pricing), propositions, and solutions (e.g. product development, underwriting tools and processes) for a portfolio, line of business or product line.
• Monitor underwriting strategy relating to performance metrics, data and insights.
• Operate in established Zurich Risk Policy, Global Underwriting Policy and underwriting governance policies, and operationalize the policies into guidelines and best practices.
• Lead initiatives that have a high impact on the development of technical underwriting guidelines, and Best Practices, including controls and procedures.
• Lead various projects, aligning appropriate resources, setting project direction and engage work team with successful outcome.
• Provide expert technical underwriting guidance to Business Units Leaders and Underwriters in support of the achievement of business plans and proposition development, to find creative solutions.
• Handle complex queries and referrals within delegated authority.
• Assist with approval of terms and conditions and Line of Business-wide issues, enabling Underwriters to write profitable business.
• Provide guidance to lower level associates.
• Take a leading role in contributing to the development of business plans and pricing strategies and alignment of these with Business Unit Strategies.
• Lead key aspects of portfolio management, including analysis to monitor profitability and growth of specialty areas of business. Provide recommendations on aspects requiring change or remedial action.
• Monitor Technical Price accuracy and develops and implements solutions to enhance Technical Price.
• Drive continuous enhancements of pricing tools in adherence to Technical Price Certification requirements.
• Participate in Technical Underwriting Reviews, identifies trends, and contribute to the development of action plans and agreed upon action items.
• Participate in compliance-related queries, including regulatory exams and insurance department inquiries.
• Act as subject matter expert to develop underwriting technical training content.
• Ensure successful implementation of key technical initiatives by consulting with executives and other leaders to gain their commitment and improve their business effectiveness.
• Add value by identifying need to modify Strategic Business Unit/Shared Services Unit policies, programs or services and develop cost-effective proposals
• Diagnose and develop recommendations to solve complex, ambiguous problems.
• Investigate, recommend and deliver high quality, strategic technical solutions and ensure post-implementation project review.
• Plan for medium to long-term; develop and implement annual budget for area of responsibility.

Job Qualifications

Required:
• Bachelors Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Underwriting area

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

Preferred:
• CPCU
• Advanced knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory environment
• Strong listening, verbal and written communication skills
 

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 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. With over 500 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.