Personal Lines Property and Casualty Underwriter - ll

Portage Mutual Careers Centre•Bedford, NS

2d•CA$64,000 - CA$80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Portage Mutual Insurance is a trusted national property and casualty insurer, owned by its policyholders, and has been serving Canadians since 1884. They offer competitive home, auto, commercial, and farm insurance products through a broker network across Canada. The company emphasizes a tradition of innovation and a people-first culture. This role is for an Intermediate Underwriter in Bedford, NS, who will support the underwriting team by evaluating and underwriting moderately complex, high-value property and casualty insurance risks, conducting strategic risk assessments, building relationships with brokers, and mentoring junior underwriters. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and committed to providing top-notch service.

Requirements

Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive underwriting experience within property and casualty insurance sectors.
Strong understanding of risk analysis, pricing strategies, and product development across key segments such as property and casualty insurance.
In-depth knowledge of risk selection methodologies, insurance contracts, rating models, and sources of risk information.
Working knowledge of related areas including claims, risk management, and accounting to enhance underwriting decisions.
Deep familiarity with underwriting philosophies, statutory constraints, technical manuals, and rating programs.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant underwriting systems (e.g., Guidewire), with the ability to adapt to new technologies.
Proven ability to establish and maintain professional, long-term relationships with brokers and internal partners.
Skilled at working with internal teams and brokers to deliver excellent service and optimal underwriting outcomes.
Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities with brokers.
Attentive listener with the ability to respond to broker needs clearly and professionally.
Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience in training, mentoring, and guiding team members.
Strong analytical capabilities, with a proven track record of assessing and managing risks effectively.
Successful history of developing and implementing impactful underwriting strategies.
Consistently applies accuracy, thoroughness, and meticulousness in all aspects of work.
Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within a team environment.
Open to change, with a focus on continuous improvement and personal development.
Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
CIP designation completed, actively in progress, or willing to work towards.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and underwrite new and existing business, renewals and endorsements, focusing on moderately complex and high-value property and casualty insurance risks.
Uphold the quality and profitability of the program’s portfolio by adhering to underwriting standards and referring risks beyond delegated authority to supervisory levels.
Work in partnership with other departments to identify key trends and provide strategic recommendations, aiming for positive outcomes for clients, brokers, and the company.
Demonstrate commitment to effective risk management by following up on outstanding recommendations and ensuring their implementation.
Analyze large loss events, provide detailed reports, and discuss remediation strategies to mitigate future risks.
Engage in market research to identify emerging trends, enabling the development of innovative product offerings.
Identify potential issues in loss ratios and risk trends and implement effective strategies to address anomalies and ensure portfolio stability.
Guide and support junior underwriters, enhancing their technical expertise and decision-making capabilities.
Effectively communicate and clarify underwriting business rules and guidelines to brokers, ensuring a shared understanding and adherence to established standards.
Address inquiries and provide prompt, clear responses to brokers through both verbal and written channels, facilitating effective and efficient communication.
Deliver a superior broker experience characterized by confidence, responsibility, and professionalism, reinforcing the company's reputation for excellence in the industry.
Stay current with industry trends, emerging developments, and regulatory changes to ensure underwriting practices remain compliant and competitive.
Act as a subject matter expert, representing the company at industry events, forums, and conferences to enhance the company's reputation and deepen industry engagement.