Head Of Aviation

Head of AviationHDI 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 ResponsibilitiesBusiness 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 to strengthen business performance and portfolio insight.
Manage Aviation departmental expenses in accordance with the approved annual budget.
Identify opportunities to improve underwriting processes, data quality, operating effectiveness and service delivery.
Work collaboratively across the Canadian Branch and HDI’s international network, sharing expertise and contributing to broader underwriting initiatives.
Provide regular portfolio and business updates to the Managing Director & Chief Agent and relevant global stakeholders.
Your Profile (Skills, Qualifications & Experience)Required
Significant progressive experience in aviation insurance underwriting, broking or a closely related specialty insurance environment, with strong knowledge of the
Demonstrated experience leading an aviation underwriting team, portfolio or significant book of business.
Strong technical knowledge of aviation insurance coverages, underwriting principles, policy wordings, pricing and risk assessment.
Demonstrated ability to manage portfolio performance and make sound commercial and underwriting decisions within delegated authority.
Established relationships within the Canadian aviation broker market.
Preferred
Post-secondary education or equivalent relevant aviation and insurance industry experience.
CIP, FCIP, CRM or another relevant insurance designation.
Aviation-related technical qualifications or industry experience.
Experience developing underwriting strategy, new products or market propositions.
What We OfferAt HDI, we offer the strength and reach of a global insurance organization with theopportunity to make a meaningful impact within a collaborative and entrepreneurialCanadian business. You will have the ability to influence strategy, shape the direction of the Aviation portfolio and work closely with senior leadership in Canada and across HDI’s international network.
As part of our team, you can expect:
Meaningful leadership and impact: The opportunity to lead and shape the futuredirection of HDI’s Canadian Aviation business, with real influence over strategy,portfolio development, market positioning and team capability.
Global reach with local ownership: Access to HDI’s international network andexpertise while operating in a Canadian environment where leaders are close to thebusiness and can directly influence decisions.
Competitive total compensation: A competitive base salary complemented by atarget annual incentive opportunity aligned with the seniority and accountability ofthe role.
Retirement savings: Employer-supported RRSP contributions designed to help buildlong-term financial security. HDI’s current Head-level offer structure starts at 6%employer contribution and increases over time up to 9%.
life, AD&D and long-term disability coverage are included in HDI’s current employeebenefits framework.
Generous time away from work: For comparable Head-level recruitment, HDI hasoffered 25 vacation days, 3 personal days and 5 sick days.
Employee ownership opportunity: Participation in the Talanx Shares Program, subject
Flexible ways of working: A hybrid working environment that combines in-personcollaboration with flexibility. Current senior offers specify three days per week in theoffice.
Development and global exposure: Opportunities for professional development,continuing education and collaboration across HDI’s international network.
A culture where your voice matters: We value collaboration, ownership andperformance, and encourage employees to contribute ideas and play an active role inshaping the future of the organization. This language is already reflected in HDICanada’s current recruitment materials.
Strong understanding of the relationship between disciplined underwriting, broker
strategy, growth and sustainable profitability.
Strong analytical and commercial judgement, with the ability to translate portfolio
and market information to business decisions.
Proven leadership capability, with the ability to develop people and create
accountability while operating effectively in a collaborative environment.
Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
Ability to work effectively across local and international teams and within a global
organization.
Willingness to travel for broker, client, industry and internal business meetings.
We welcome applications from motivated, team-oriented individuals who are eager to take on new challenges. Thank you to all applicants for their interest. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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