Underwriting Director

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Underwriting Director based in Canada. This leadership role is responsible for driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and business performance across a commercial underwriting function. You will lead the department’s overall operations, balancing underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, efficiency, productivity, and profitability. A major focus will be developing high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, and a collaborative, people-first leadership approach. You will use market trends, data, and business insights to shape underwriting decisions and support regional and corporate objectives. The role also involves building strong relationships with brokers and customers while identifying opportunities for sustainable portfolio growth. You will contribute to the future direction of the business by combining deep underwriting expertise with strategic leadership and sound risk assessment. This is an opportunity to influence both business results and talent development within a dynamic commercial insurance environment.

Develop and execute strategic business plans that support sustainable growth, operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability across the commercial underwriting function. Lead and develop high-performing underwriting teams through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and ongoing talent development. Oversee underwriting strategies and portfolio management, ensuring decisions align with business objectives and sound risk assessment principles. Support regional and corporate underwriting objectives and contribute to the future direction and strategic evolution of the portfolio. Monitor market conditions, emerging industry trends, portfolio performance, and business data to identify opportunities and inform strategic decisions. Use data and insights to evaluate performance, improve processes, and support informed underwriting and business decisions. Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers and customers while supporting effective negotiation and long-term business partnerships. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and leadership teams to achieve shared commercial and operational goals. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing culture focused on strong business results and employee development. Requirements 10+ years of commercial underwriting experience , with a strong understanding of underwriting principles, portfolio management, and risk assessment. 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams, developing talent, and delivering business results. Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic business plans within a commercial underwriting or insurance environment. Experience overseeing regional or corporate underwriting objectives and translating strategic priorities into operational execution. Strong knowledge of portfolio performance, risk evaluation, market trends, and commercial insurance practices. Proven ability to use data, analytics, and business insights to guide decisions and improve performance. Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with brokers, customers, and internal stakeholders. Strategic leadership approach combined with a team-first mindset and a commitment to coaching and developing people. Ability to operate effectively in a collaborative environment while balancing business performance, customer relationships, risk considerations, and long-term growth. Benefits Hybrid work model , with the flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per week , plus additional flexibility when needed. Competitive compensation and benefits package. Employee share purchase plan, pension plans, RRSP options, and staff insurance discounts. Flexible health benefits and wellness programs supporting employee well-being. Early leave days and employee recognition initiatives. Education assistance and support for professional designations including CIP, FCIP, and CRM . Leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and internal career mobility. Donation matching programs and paid volunteer opportunities supporting community involvement. Inclusive workplace with support and accommodations available throughout the selection process. Full-time opportunity based in Halifax, Nova Scotia .

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