We put our people first. As an employer of choice, Acera Insurance, offers an outstanding workplace and employee culture that creates valuable opportunities for all employees.
Our people are:
Encouraged to challenge the status quo and never stop learning in their commitment to excellence.
Empowered with a sense of accountability and autonomy to take ownership of their work.
Treated with respect and act with integrity by putting clients, colleagues, and community first.
Recognized for their achievements and celebrate festivities, big and small, to make work fun.
We also proudly offer most employees the opportunity to become owners. With over 700 employee owners, Acera Insurance is the only Canadian brokerage that is widely owned by its employees. Our employee owners have a vested interest and get to share in Acera Insurance’s success — which they make possible.
Join our award-winning network of over 1,300 professionals across Canada and change the way people feel about insurance.
UNDERWRITER - TEAM LEADER
Location and status
Victoria BC and British Columbia (general)
Permanent full-time employment (35 hrs/week) In person or Hybrid
Hours: 9am - 5pm (flexible hours)
$80K - $105 K per year
Job Summary:
Collaborating with the Director of Underwriting Programs, key functions of this role are to lead a team of SME underwriters and oversee the daily responsibilities of Delegated Underwriting Authorities. This involves fostering collaboration, identifying growth opportunities and developing innovative strategies to expand services to achieve annual growth targets.
Essential Job Functions:
Primary duties include, but not limited to, the following:
Leadership
Working closely with leadership to identify, prioritize and implement department initiatives
Support in the development of business change, communications, and engagement plans and collaborate on the execution of such plans
Develop and maintain underwriting guidelines
Allocate and monitor volume of work amongst team members
Track key performance indicators such as turn around times, rates and a consistent approach
Participate in compliance and audits external / internal
Forster a growth mindset by supervising, mentor and supporting underwriters to ensure high performance
Conduct regular team meetings to discuss goals, challenges, and updates
Cultivate an encouraging, team oriented, and compliance workplace culture
Ensure underwriting decisions align with company policies and appetite
Proactively working with sales and underwriters to review complex and high-risk accounts
Support skill development by identify training needs and organize ongoing education for underwriters
Develop and maintain strong partner relationships internal and external
Motivational aptitude by inspiration and energizing team member to achieve their best and stay engaged
Measure standards, policies, and procedures; and work team to provide guidance on performance improvement
Identify opportunities for business process improvements and operational efficiencies
Risk analysis and evaluation
Knowledgeable in catastrophic exposures and mapping
Proficient in analyzing data to identify areas of concern such as loss ratios, accumulation, claims patterns
Strong problem-solving skills to identify, and resolve underwriting matters with creative solutions
Up-to-date knowledge of property insurance market trends, regulations, and industry best practices
Strong understanding of commercial insurance wordings and coverages
Account management
Liaison and follow though on all outstanding renewals, terms, conditions, and subjects with Delegated Authorities
Arrange and issue submissions, quotations, and endorsements
Prepare and keep all rating and underwriting tools
Maintain accurate records of all underwriting decision
Coordinate the development and modifications of insurance policy wordings
Supplementary Abilities
Decisiveness by making prompt well-informed decisions
Ability to effectively lead, coach and develop team members
Being receptive to others’ opinions and consider their perspective before making decisions
Excellent communication, negotiation and presentations skills
Consistency with your approach
Ability to deal with ambiguous situations and issues
An entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of developing and executing growth plans
Creating success in a fast paced and dynamic environment
Team player with a positive work ethic
Organized with effective time management skills
Self-directed
Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency
Strong planning and organizational skills
Competencies & Qualifications:
Minimum of 5 years of experience in the insurance industry
Proven leadership experience, preferably in a team lead or supervisory role
University degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
CAIB or CIP designation required (Level II insurance license)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including intermediate Excel skills
In-depth knowledge of commercial underwriting principles and practices
Demonstrated ability to analyze risk, assess exposures, and make sound underwriting decisions
A positive and proactive attitude and Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate and embrace change
Strong adaptability to evolving environments and challenges
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration and client relationships
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
Acera Insurance is the largest independent, employee-controlled brokerage in Canada. We are proudly 100% Canadian owned and operated. With over 70 locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the Yukon, $1.4 billion in gross written premium, and $1.3 billion group retirement savings assets under management, our team provides individuals, families and businesses unbiased insurance and risk management solutions that have a distinct Canadian perspective. Our collaborative work structure combines our people’s strength and expertise to offer greater value, knowledge, and resources to our personal and commercial clients nationwide, including comprehensive group benefits.
Acera Insurance is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to all forms of diversity in the workplace. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
