Underwriter, Real Estate

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 650 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 1,200 professionals across Canada and change the way people feel about insurance.

UNDERWRITER, REAL ESTATE

LOCATION AND STATUS

• Kelowna, Burnaby, Victoria, BC
• Full-time, permanent 
• Compensation: Acera’s total compensation offerings are based on pay for performance that recognizes exceptional individual, team and company performance.  The typical hiring range for this position is from $60-000 - $80,000 CAD annually; the pay offering is based on location and will vary depending on related experience, proven knowledge, skills, and internal equity. 

JOB SUMMARY

Residential Real Estate Property Underwriter to maintain and grow multi subscription policies on moderate to complex Alberta book within delegated underwriting authorities and the offer and acceptance open market. 

Direct experience as an underwriter is an asset, however many other roles have proven to translate very well and be an asset for this position such as Personal Lines and Commercial Broking experience. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Primary duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Risk analysis and evaluation
  • Knowledgeable in Alberta catastrophic exposures and mapping
  • Proficient in analyzing data, property valuations, and other risk level data to make informed underwriting decisions
  • Strong problem-solving skills to identify, analyze and resolve underwriting issues with  creative solutions that balance the objectives
  • Up-to-date knowledge of property insurance market trends, regulations, and industry best practices
  • Strong understanding of commercial insurance wordings and coverages
  • Work within established underwriting guidelines

• Superior negotiation skills that drive desired outcomes
  • Ability to be flexible
  • Maintain a positive attitude and adapt to unexpected challenges during negotiations
  • Ability to adapt to differing negotiation styles such as collaborative, competitive, and compromising based on the situation
  • Using facts to drive the desired outcomes
  • Communicate with confidences and conviction to convey credibility 
  • Clearly articulate your requests and preferred results
  • Customer centric mindset  
• Developing and maintaining strong partner relationships
  • Effective communication including active listening
  • Consistency with your approach
  • Networking with industry colleagues and Acera colleagues
• Account management
  • Arrange and issue submissions, quotations, and endorsements
  • Prepare and maintain all rating and underwriting tools
  • Maintain accurate records of all underwriting decision
  • Liaison and follow though on all outstanding renewals, terms, conditions, and subjects with Sales
• Supplementary Abilities
  • Creating success in a fast paced and dynamic environment
  • Team player with a positive work ethic
  • Organized with effective time management skills
  • Self-directed and ability to coordinate large placements with multiple carriers
  • Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency

COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree or equivalent experience in a related field
• CAIB or CIP designation (level II license)
• Minimum 2 years Insurance industry experience
• Intermediate level computer skills required, including Excel

Acera Insurance is the largest independent, employee-controlled brokerages in Canada. With over 60 locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the Yukon, and $1.3 billion in gross written premium, 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.