Senior Underwriter

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

If you have experience in commercial underwriting and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a Senior Underwriter. Reporting to the VP of Programs you will analyze and underwrite new and renewal business, under limited direction, utilizing The Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high level service to customers.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence–enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in-person presence, which may include time in the office or market-facing engagements.

• Proactively identify, qualify, and pursue new Program and MGA opportunities that align with Zurich's strategic objectives, underwriting appetite, and profitability targets.
• Manage a portfolio of assigned Programs and MGA partnerships, ensuring profitable growth, retention, and long-term sustainability.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned Programs, MGAs, brokers, and key stakeholders.
• Lead the underwriting, due diligence, and evaluation of new Program and MGA opportunities, including operational, financial, claims, compliance, governance, and distribution assessments.
• Develop and present business cases for new opportunities, including growth potential, profitability, operational requirements, reinsurance considerations, and strategic fit.
• Negotiate terms, conditions, capacity, delegated authority arrangements, and commercial agreements to successfully close and retain business.
• Lead cross-functional onboarding and implementation of new Programs and MGA partnerships, coordinating with Actuarial, Claims, Operations, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Technical Underwriting, IT, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure successful implementation of new Programs through effective project management, stakeholder communication, and delivery of key milestones.
• Monitor portfolio performance and analyze premium growth, rate adequacy, loss trends, retention, and profitability metrics.
• Collaborate with Actuarial and Reinsurance teams to evaluate program structures, pricing adequacy, capital requirements, and reinsurance strategies.
• Develop and maintain a qualified pipeline of opportunities 120 to 180 days prior to effective dates.
• Conduct broker, MGA, and client meetings with a clear strategic purpose and documented follow-up actions.
• Maintain accurate account documentation and update underwriting systems, pipeline reports, and management reporting tools within established timelines.
• Provide expertise and guidance on coverage interpretation, underwriting strategy, delegated authority governance, and claims-related issues.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of underwriting guidelines, governance frameworks, onboarding procedures, and best practices.
• Develop and deliver presentations to internal leadership, brokers, MGAs, and prospective partners.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend process…