Personal Lines Property and Casualty Underwriting Supervisor

Portage Mutual Careers Centre•Edmonton, AB

3d•CA$76,600 - CA$95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

About Portage Mutual: Where Your Talent Makes a Difference Imagine a workplace where your contributions are not only valued but also directly impact the lives of Canadians. At Portage Mutual Insurance, we’re more than just a trusted national property and casualty insurer—we’re a community of passionate individuals dedicated to serving our policyholders since 1884. Owned by our policyholders, we proudly offer competitive home, auto, commercial, and farm insurance products 100% through our broker network across Canada. Join a company rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and powered by a people-first culture. Why Portage Mutual? At Portage Mutual, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. Here, you’ll find: Total Rewards: We care about your well-being and financial security. That’s why we offer a competitive salary, incentive plan, comprehensive health benefits, a pension plan and generous paid time off, including personal days. Career Growth & Development: Propel your career forward with access to diverse learning resources, tuition reimbursement for relevant programs, and bonuses recognizing your achievements in pursuing insurance designations. Flexibility: We support work-life integration by offering a flexible environment where you can choose to live wherever you prefer in Canada. Enjoy the freedom to select remote, in-office, and hybrid work arrangements that best suit your lifestyle. Inclusivity and Belonging: Be a part of a supportive and diverse team that embraces your unique perspective and empowers you to succeed. We’re dedicated to creating a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, valued and respected. Making a Difference: Find purpose in your career by aligning with an organization that shares your values and is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve. The Opportunity: Personal Lines Property & Casualty Underwriting Supervisor As a Personal Lines Property & Casualty Underwriting Supervisor, you’ll play a key role in leading your underwriting team by: Overseeing underwriting quality and ensuring alignment with Portage Mutual’s risk appetite and service standards. Providing guidance and expertise on complex cases to support sound decision-making. Fostering team development through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing. Building and strengthening relationships with brokers to drive profitable growth. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support continuous improvement initiatives and uphold a culture of excellence in underwriting practices. We’re looking for a strategic, collaborative leader who demonstrates strong underwriting expertise, champions team growth, and is committed to delivering outstanding service to our broker partners.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years’ experience in personal lines underwriting or related field, with demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
In-depth knowledge of underwriting principles, practices and regulations, risk analysis, pricing strategies, and product development across key segments such as personal and casualty insurance.
Proven ability to lead, coach and mentor a team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Deep familiarity with underwriting philosophies, statutory constraints, technical manuals, and rating programs.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with underwriters, brokers and internal stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to identify and address complex underwriting issues.
Proven ability to establish and maintain professional, long-term relationships with brokers and internal partners.
Ability to think strategically and contribute to the development of underwriting strategies and initiatives.
Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and company priorities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant underwriting systems (e.g., Guidewire), with the ability to adapt to new technologies.
Skilled at working with internal teams and brokers to deliver excellent service and optimal underwriting outcomes.
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, CRM or FCIP designation completed

Responsibilities

Oversee and ensure the accurate and consistent application of underwriting policies, procedures, and service standards across the team, adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.
Provide technical expertise and guidance to underwriters on complex or unique risks, ensuring sound underwriting decisions.
Conduct post-loss underwriting reviews to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities to enhance risk management practices.
Maintain a thorough understanding of market trends and competitive landscape to inform underwriting strategies.
Participate in the development and implementation of underwriting guidelines and best practices.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key brokers.
Communicate underwriting business rules, guidelines, and risk appetite effectively to brokers.
Collaborate with brokers to develop and maintain a profitable book of business, identifying opportunities for growth and retention.
Address and resolve broker concerns or issues promptly and professionally.
Conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to support individual and team performance.
Promote a collaborative and supportive team environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
Champion employee development by creating and implementing individual development plans and provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and access to training opportunities to enhance team capabilities and promote career advancement.
Lead the recruitment and onboarding process for new team members ensuring a comprehensive onboarding experience that equips new hires with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to succeed in their roles.
Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to improve underwriting processes and outcomes.
Provide input and recommendations on market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging risks.