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.

What you'll do

• 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 improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the Programs business.

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

Required:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.

OR

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area

OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting o r Market Facing area

OR

• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area

AND

• Experience underwriting commercial multi-line business.
• Experience developing and presenting business cases.
• Experience working within defined underwriting authority levels.
• Experience managing broker, client, or MGA relationships.
• Working knowledge of delegated authority arrangements, Program business and facultative reinsurance structures.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of commercial underwriting experience with Program or MGA business.
• Multi-line underwriting experience including Property, Casualty, Umbrella, Crime, and Specialty Lines.
• Experience onboarding and implementing complex insurance programs.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and initiatives.
• Strong financial and portfolio management acumen.
• Experience analyzing profitability, loss trends, and performance metrics.
• Bilingual English/French an asset
• CPCU, FCIP, CIP, CRM, or equivalent industry designation.
• Project Management experience or certification considered an asset.

At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is $90,000 -  130,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate’s skills and experience. 

Our Culture

• At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. 
  
• We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.  
  
• We care about our employees’ well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package. 
  
• We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that. 
  
• We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.  
  
• We are committed to continuous improvement and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.  
  
• We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources. 
  
• We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.    

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.  

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 650 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at  . 

A future with Zurich

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 148 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. We are a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. Today, we serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology and insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, Zurich strives to provide ongoing career development opportunities and foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our people, our customers and the communities we serve.

As a global company, Zurich recognizes the diversity of our workforce as an asset. We recruit talented people from a variety of backgrounds with unique perspectives that are truly welcome here. Taken together, diversity and inclusion bring us closer to our common goal: exceeding our customers’ expectations. Zurich is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and barrier-free environment resulting in an accessible organization for employees, customers, and other parties who interact with, or on behalf of, Zurich. We strive to achieve a workplace free of discrimination of all forms, including discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability, or medical condition. If you are interested in a job opportunity, please advise if you require an accommodation, so we can work with you to provide a more accessible process. 

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich Canadian Holdings Limited. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission.

Only applicable for Canada: For Zurich Canada's commitment to diversity and accessibility please click here . If you would prefer to not receive future electronic messages from Zurich Insurance Company Ltd's recruitment management system, please email your request to have your job profile deleted from the system by clicking here . Zurich Insurance Company Ltd 100 King St., W., Suite 5500, Toronto, ON, M5X 1C9.