Underwriter, Small Business

The Opportunity

This position is a Commercial Underwriter responsible for driving profitable growth by assessing and making decisions on new business submissions, policy renewals, and endorsements, with a focus on Commercial Property Insurance. The role involves applying established underwriting guidelines and judgment to evaluate moderately complex risks, working under the guidance of senior team members.

Key responsibilities include building and maintaining strong relationships with brokers, providing exceptional customer service, and acting as a key point of contact for inquiries. The underwriter will effectively use policy administration and quoting systems to manage transactions, document decisions, and ensure data integrity. The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years of underwriting experience (commercial preferred), strong analytical and communication skills, and a collaborative, professional demeanor.

What to Expect

• Assesses risks and accepts, declines, or amends new business submissions, policy endorsements, renewals, etc.
• Understands and aligns decision making to Economical's Line of Business and segmentation strategies
• With some guidance, develops solutions to achieve profitable growth targets
• Leverages tools, resources and reports to appropriately evaluate risks and make effective Underwriting decisions
• Applies Underwriting judgment and relies on the guidance of senior staff and his/her Team Leader to process moderately complex risks effectively in accordance with Economical's corporate policies, Underwriting guidelines, standard operating procedures, and Line of Business and segmentation strategies
• Knows how and when to leverage Underwriting Technicians and when to refer or escalate specific transactions/issues to more senior Underwriting stakeholders, as required
• Reviews Claims activity and takes appropriate action within his/her Underwriting authority level, as required

Customer Experience

• Contacts Brokers, where required, to request additional information, communicate risk acceptances and terms, declines as well as quote follow ups (where applicable) to achieve target hit ratios - Provides exceptional service to Brokers for all interactions, and seeks to add value in every Broker interaction
• Acts as a point of contact for inquiries related to Commercial Property Insurance
• Routes/escalates Broker inquiries to alternative points of contact within Economical to enable effective and prompt resolution of inquiries, where appropriate
• System Expertise
• Effectively manages multiple transactions within the policy case management system, leveraging system functionalities to appropriately route and document processing of transactions
• Demonstrates deep understanding of the policy administration systems and quoting systems and how functionalities can be used to best respond to Broker inquiries and needs, and completes all the required documentation in the system
• Applies knowledge of document management to access most up-to-date materials, guides and/or tools

What you Bring

• Professional Designation: Completion of the CIP (Chartered Insurance Professional) designation (known in Quebec as PAA – Professionnel d’assurance agréé) is required or considered a strong asset.
• Fluent in French and English required
• Excellent customer service skills. Interacts in a way that demonstrates genuine concern and respect for others
• 2- 3 years of underwriting experience insurance; commercial underwriter experience is preferred
• You’re professional, friendly and courteous in all your interactions, whether with customers or co-workers.
• You perform well in a busy operation and remain calm under pressure.
• You’re a team player who is adaptable to a changing environment.
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Your organization and time management skills are exceptional.
• You have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent Sales Competencies
• Communicates ideas and concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrates a team behavior including conflict resolution, personal and team accountability and commitment
• High level of initiative, self-motivated, and able to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to influence others

Salary Range: $51,300 - $94,400

High degree of proficiency with English required to service customers, both internal to the company and external, across Canada.

Economical is part of Definity, which includes some of Canada’s most long-standing and innovative insurance brands, including Economical Insurance, Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance. Our ambition is to be one of Canada’s leading and most innovative property and casualty insurers. We can’t do that without our people, so we embrace and encourage a culture that’s collaborative, ambitious, rewarding, and empowering.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work experience where employees work from the office and virtually depending on the type of work they are doing and who they are working with. Bring your true self and be a part of our journey. It’s better here.

Actual salary for the role may vary depending on work location of the successful candidate and other factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, working conditions and the local labour market.

This position is being posted to fill an existing vacancy.

Interested in this role, but don’t meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply! We know from experience that a candidate doesn’t need 100% of the qualifications listed to bring incredible value to our team. We’re actively seeking diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help us make insurance better. At Definity, inclusion, diversity, and equity aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re essential to our success.

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid work schedule for most roles
• Company share ownership program
• Incentive Program - Eligible employees may participate in various incentive plans which are paid out at the discretion of the company and subject to individual and company performance.
• Pension and savings programs, with company-matched RRSP contributions
• Paid volunteer days and company matching on charitable donations
• Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid time off to study for exams
• Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC counsellors, access to programs for working parents
• Wellness and recognition programs
• Discounts on products and services

Go ahead and expect a lot — you deserve it.

It’s better here — but don’t take our word for it. Definity was named by Great Place to Work® as one of the Best Workplaces™ in Canada for women, for youth, and for inclusion.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

As part of Definity’s commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that our work, meetings, and travel take place on the lands now known as Canada, and recognize the enduring presence, wisdom, and stewardship of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have long cared for these lands.

Background checks

This role requires successful clearance of background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).

#LI-Hybrid