Underwriter - Team Leader

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 - $110 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.