Sr. Underwriting Specialist, Financial Lines

Aviva • Toronto, ON

12d • CA$120,000 - CA$140,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Specialist, Financial Lines Underwriter is responsible for underwriting and managing a diverse portfolio of Financial Lines products, including Directors & Officers (D&O), Employment Practices Liability (EPL), Fiduciary and Crime coverages. This role combines deep technical underwriting expertise with strong broker engagement, portfolio stewardship, and the ability to influence underwriting strategy across the region. You will be a key contributor within the Financial Lines team, supporting profitable growth, strengthening broker relationships, and helping refine underwriting standards, appetite, and governance for the FL portfolio.

Requirements

• 10+ years of underwriting experience in Financial Lines (D&O, EPL, Crime and Fiduciary).
• Strong technical underwriting skills and the ability to assess complex financial and qualitative risks.
• Demonstrated success managing broker relationships and negotiating complex risks.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to interpret financial statements and market indicators.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team success and sharing best practices.
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and commitment to underwriting governance.
• Post-secondary education in business, finance, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• CIP/FCIP or similar designation is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite and negotiate complex new business and renewals within delegated authority, ensuring alignment with risk appetite, pricing adequacy, and profitability targets.
• Analyze financial statements, industry trends, claims history, and qualitative risk factors to make informed underwriting decisions.
• Manage a portfolio with a focus on profitable growth, retention, and risk selection quality.
• Identify emerging trends and recommend portfolio actions such as appetite adjustments, pricing strategies, and product development opportunities.
• Ensure underwriting files meet compliance, audit, and documentation standards.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key brokers across the region.
• Lead broker meetings, presentations, and negotiations for large and complex FL opportunities.
• Provide clear risk rationales, appetite guidance, and market insights to strengthen Aviva’s position in the FL market.
• Support broker development through training, market updates, and underwriting workshops as required.
• Act as a subject-matter expert for Financial Lines, providing guidance to junior underwriters, peers, and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with Claims, Actuarial, Legal, and Risk to refine underwriting practices and ensure alignment across functions.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting guidelines, pricing tools, and product enhancements.
• Support strategic initiatives related to FL growth, risk appetite evolution, and governance.
• Maintain strong control practices, ensuring underwriting decisions comply with internal guidelines, audit standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support efforts to enhance underwriting discipline and contribute to the overall governance framework of the FL portfolio.
• Participate in periodic quality reviews and implement improvements where required.

Benefits

• Eligibility for annual bonus
• Retirement savings
• Share plan
• Health benefits
• Personal wellness
• Volunteer opportunities
• Outstanding career development opportunities
• Professional development education support
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year.
• Employee-driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.
• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree