Director, Underwriting Operations, Commercial Mid-Market - West

Wawanesa Insurance•Edmonton, AB

3d•CA$180,000 - CA$200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Underwriting Operations, Commercial Mid-Market is responsible for leading Wawanesa's Middle Market Property & Casualty, Agriculture and Fleet teams across Western Canada - driving profitable growth, portfolio diversification, and operational excellence within a nationalized underwriting structure. Focused on larger commercial business, this role provides technical leadership in underwriting, pricing, risk selection, portfolio management, and broker engagement to deliver competitive solutions for mid-sized businesses across Western Canada. Working closely with the VP, Mid-Market, this leader will help shape the future of Commercial Middle Market at Wawanesa, while leading and coaching underwriting leaders and teams, maintaining a strong market presence with brokers, and advancing strategic priorities. The role holds the highest underwriting authority for the segment, providing expertise and guidance on complex commercial risks and large account opportunities.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of experience in commercial insurance, with deep expertise in mid-market underwriting in the specific segment.
At least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within a national insurer, with experience leading regional underwriting teams, broker relationships, and complex commercial portfolios.
Bachelor’s degree in business, insurance, risk management, or related field.
Strong understanding of the mid-market business environment, commercial lines regulatory frameworks, and broker distribution models.
Proven ability to grow income, with a focus on long-term portfolio health, proactively managing risk and building member value.
Excellent relationship management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability and willingness to travel nationally to engage with regional teams and brokers.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CRM, CIP, or FCIP are considered assets.
Product development and portfolio management experience considered an asset.
Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Oversee underwriting processes, workflows, and governance to ensure accuracy, speed and ease of doing business.
Standardize practices, procedures, and tools across regional underwriting teams to drive national alignment while maintaining regional expertise and broker service models.
Monitor underwriting performance metrics and operational KPIs, implementing corrective action where needed. Provide oversight of catastrophe-exposed and large complex accounts to ensure strong risk management, underwriting discipline, and portfolio profitability.
Collaborate and provide input into the design and implementation of the transformation roadmap for Commercial Small Business.
Move at pace by applying a test-and-learn approach, failing fast and pivoting quickly in response to learnings.
Use effective collaboration and communication with key stakeholders to navigate roadblocks and governance processes.
Empower, mentor, and develop a high-performing underwriting operations team in Commercial Small Business, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Provide leadership and coaching to underwriting leaders and teams across BC, AB, MB, and SK.
Attract and retain top talent, focussing on capabilities that will accelerate the transformation and thrive in the future state.
Serve as a key liaison between underwriting, distribution, actuarial, claims, finance, and compliance functions.
Build strong relationships with brokers and partners to ensure service expectations are met and exceeded. Maintain a visible market presence and strengthen strategic broker relationships to support profitable growth.