Elevate Your Career as a Senior Underwriter, Personal Lines - Property and Casualty at Portage Mutual Insurance!
About Portage Mutual: Where Your Talent Makes a Difference
Imagine a workplace where your contributions are not only valued but also directly impact the lives of Canadians. At Portage Mutual Insurance, we’re more than just a trusted national property and casualty insurer—we’re a community of passionate individuals dedicated to serving our policyholders since 1884. Owned by our policyholders, we proudly offer competitive home, auto, commercial, and farm insurance products 100% through our broker network across Canada. Join a company rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and powered by a people-first culture.
Why Portage Mutual?
At Portage Mutual, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. Here, you’ll find:
- Total Rewards: We care about your well-being and financial security. That’s why we offer a competitive salary, incentive plan, comprehensive health benefits, a pension plan and generous paid time off, including personal days.
- Career Growth & Development: Propel your career forward with access to diverse learning resources, tuition reimbursement for relevant programs, and bonuses recognizing your achievements in pursuing insurance designations.
- Flexibility: We support work-life integration by offering a flexible environment where you can choose to live wherever you prefer in Canada. Enjoy the freedom to select remote, in-office, and hybrid work arrangements that best suit your lifestyle.
- Inclusivity and Belonging: Be a part of a supportive and diverse team that embraces your unique perspective and empowers you to succeed. We’re dedicated to creating a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, valued and respected.
- Making a Difference: Find purpose in your career by aligning with an organization that shares your values and is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve.
The Opportunity:
As a Senior Underwriter, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting our underwriting team by:
- Evaluating and underwriting complex, high-value property and casualty insurance risks in line with company guidelines and risk appetite.
- Conducting strategic risk assessments and leveraging market research to inform underwriting decisions.
- Building and maintain strong relationships with brokers and internal stakeholders to support business development.
- Mentoring junior underwriters and providing expert guidance to support team capability and consistency.
- Representing the company at industry events and ensuring underwriting practices stay aligned with evolving regulations and market trends.
We're looking for a detail-oriented, enthusiastic team player who embodies our company values and is committed to providing top-notch service.
What You’ll Do:
- Evaluate and underwrite new and existing business, renewals and endorsements, focusing on complex and high-value property and casualty insurance risks.
- Uphold the quality and profitability of the program’s portfolio by adhering to underwriting standards and referring risks beyond delegated authority to supervisory levels.
- Work in partnership with other departments to identify key trends and provide strategic recommendations. Aim to achieve positive outcomes for clients, brokers, and the company.
- Demonstrate our commitment to effective risk management by following up on outstanding recommendations and ensuring their implementation.
- Analyze large loss events, provide detailed reports, and discuss remediation strategies to mitigate future risks.
- Conduct comprehensive reviews and audits to ensure adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Engage in market research to identify emerging trends, enabling the development of innovative product offerings.
- Identify potential issues in loss ratios and risk trends. Implement effective strategies to address anomalies and ensure portfolio stability.
- Guide and support junior underwriters, enhancing their technical expertise and decision-making capabilities.
- Effectively communicate and clarify underwriting business rules and guidelines to brokers, ensuring a shared understanding and adherence to established standards.
- Address inquiries and provide prompt, clear responses to brokers through both verbal and written channels, facilitating effective and efficient communication.
- Deliver a superior broker experience characterized by confidence, responsibility, and professionalism, reinforcing the company's reputation for excellence in the industry.
- Stay current with industry trends, emerging developments, and regulatory changes to ensure underwriting practices remain compliant and competitive.
- Act as a subject matter expert, representing the company at industry events, forums, and conferences to enhance the company's reputation and deepen industry engagement.
What You’ll Bring:
- Minimum 5 years of progressive underwriting experience within property and casualty insurance sectors.
- Strong understanding of risk analysis, pricing strategies, and product development across key segments such as property and casualty insurance.
- In-depth knowledge of risk selection methodologies, insurance contracts, rating models, and sources of risk information.
- Working knowledge of related areas including claims, risk management, and accounting to enhance underwriting decisions.
- Deep familiarity with underwriting philosophies, statutory constraints, technical manuals, and rating programs.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant underwriting systems (e.g., Guidewire), with the ability to adapt to new technologies.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain professional, long-term relationships with brokers and internal partners.
- Skilled at working with internal teams and brokers to deliver excellent service and optimal underwriting outcomes.
- Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities with brokers.
- Attentive listener with the ability to respond to broker needs clearly and professionally.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience in training, mentoring, and guiding team members.
- Strong analytical capabilities, with a proven track record of assessing and managing risks effectively.
- Successful history of developing and implementing impactful underwriting strategies.
- Consistently applies accuracy, thoroughness, and meticulousness in all aspects of work.
- Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within a team environment.
- Open to change, with a focus on continuous improvement and personal development.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- CIP designation completed, actively in progress, or willing to work towards.
The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:
Canada – Alberta: $76,600 - $105,400 CAD / Annual