Head of Aviation

Head of Aviation
HDI Global is a leading international industrial insurer with operations in more than 175
countries through branch offices, subsidiaries and network partners. Our locally empowered
teams deliver commercial, flexible insurance solutions across a broad range of general and
specialty lines.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Aviation to lead the strategy, underwriting
performance and sustainable, profitable growth of our Canadian Aviation business. This
hands-on role combines technical underwriting, portfolio management, broker and market
development, and people leadership.
Building on our existing portfolio and relationships, you will strengthen underwriting
discipline and develop the team. As a member of the Canadian Underwriting Leadership
Team, you will collaborate with Canadian colleagues and HDI’s international Aviation
network, representing the business locally and globally.
CompanyHDI Global SE Canada
Work LocationToronto, ON
Type of EmploymentReplacement Position
Full-time, permanent
TravelAs required
Your Responsibilities
Business Strategy & Portfolio Performance
Develop and execute the Canadian Aviation business and underwriting strategy in alignment with HDI’s broader Canadian and global objectives.
Take accountability for portfolio performance, sustainable profitability and disciplined growth against the approved annual business plan.
Monitor portfolio composition, pricing adequacy, exposures, loss performance and emerging market developments, and take appropriate portfolio actions where required.
Analyze market conditions, competitive activity and broker intelligence to identify opportunities and inform underwriting, pricing, appetite and distribution decisions.
Develop annual forecasts, business plans and budgets, and regularly report on portfolio performance, opportunities, emerging risks and required actions to Canadian and international stakeholders.
Identify opportunities to strengthen HDI’s market position and evolve our Aviation proposition in Canada.

Technical Underwriting & Governance
Provide technical leadership for the Canadian Aviation portfolio and act as a senior underwriting authority and subject-matter expert for the business.
Personally underwrite and oversee complex, high-value or strategically important Aviation accounts within delegated underwriting authority.
Review and make decisions on new business, renewals and underwriting referrals, including pricing, terms, conditions, limits and policy wordings.
Develop and continuously review Canadian underwriting guidelines, risk appetite, product offerings and policy wordings in collaboration with appropriate Canadian and global stakeholders.
Ensure underwriting decisions and documentation comply with delegated authority, underwriting guidelines and HDI governance requirements.

Broker, Client & Market Development
Develop and execute the Canadian Aviation broker and distribution strategy.
Build and maintain strong senior-level relationships with key aviation brokers, clients and industry stakeholders.
Strengthen market understanding of HDI’s underwriting appetite, capabilities and
Identify and develop profitable new-business opportunities while maintaining strong relationships across the existing portfolio.
Monitor broker and market developments and use these insights to inform business and underwriting strategy.
Represent HDI at relevant broker meetings, client discussions and aviation industry events.
Partner with Sales and other internal stakeholders to coordinate market development activities and pursue strategic opportunities.
Lead, develop and support the Canadian Aviation team, creating a collaborative, accountable and high-performing environment.
Establish clear objectives and expectations aligned with the business plan.
Coach and develop team members, strengthening technical underwriting capability and commercial judgement.
Support succession planning, knowledge transfer and the development of future underwriting capability.
Ensure appropriate allocation of work and underwriting responsibilities across the team.
Monitor team capacity, workload and service standards, and proactively identify resource or capability requirements.
Foster strong collaboration between Aviation and the broader Canadian Branch.

Operational & Cross-Functional Leadership
Ensure the Aviation business delivers high standards of underwriting quality, responsiveness, and broker and client service.
Partner with Claims, Finance, Actuarial, Operations, Compliance, Sales and other underwriting teams