Underwriting Specialist, National Accounts Casualty

CNA Insurance • Vancouver, BC

3d • $115,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Individual contributor responsible for the overall management, business development, analysis, and monitoring of a highly complex National Accounts Casualty book of business. Recognized as a technical expert in large and complex casualty risks, including primary, excess and umbrella structures, loss sensitive programs, and multinational exposures. Under general management direction, operates within broad limits of authority on assignments requiring advanced technical expertise, strategic thinking, and cross-functional coordination. Scope may span regional, industry segment, or company-wide initiatives.

Requirements

• Deep technical expertise in casualty underwriting, including primary GL, umbrella/excess liability, and loss-sensitive program structures.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills with brokers, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to assess complex data, identify trends and inform underwriting strategy.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, high-stakes environments requiring judgment and creativity.
• Strong ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Demonstrated leadership through influence, mentorship, and technical guidance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other business-related software.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other enterprise business tools, including responsible use of AI‑enabled technologies (such as Copilot or similar) to enhance efficiency, analysis and workflow in accordance with company policies.
• Typically a minimum eight to ten years casualty underwriting experience, with significant exposure to large/complex or national account business.

Nice To Haves

• Professional designations (e.g., CIP, FCIP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Underwrites highly complex casualty risks, including large, multi-layered programs involving primary, excess/umbrella, and alternative risk structures (e.g., captives, large deductibles, SIRs), using a diagnostic approach to assess acceptability.
• Designs customized casualty programs, including manuscript endorsements, coverage enhancements, and alignment across multiple lines and jurisdictions.
• Determines pricing strategies for complex risks based on exposure analysis, loss drivers, financials, and market conditions, aligned with profitability targets and underwriting authority.
• Evaluates program structure, attachment points, and limit deployment to maximize risk-adjusted returns.
• Negotiates terms, conditions, pricing, and program structure with brokers, balancing competitiveness with disciplined underwriting standards.
• Analyzes portfolio performance (rate, retention, profitability, and mix of business) and actively manages book strategy to achieve growth and margin objectives.
• Partners with actuarial, claims, risk control, and multinational teams to assess loss trends, emerging risks, and program performance.
• Develops and executes business development strategies targeting key brokers, large national accounts and complex risk opportunities, including cross-border and multiline placements.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key brokers and clients to position CNA as a lead or meaningful participant on complex casualty programs.
• Monitors regulatory, legal, and industry developments across jurisdictions, incorporating changes into underwriting strategy.
• Mentors junior underwriters and supports technical development.
• Leads or contributes to strategic underwriting initiatives, portfolio reviews and key projects.
• Utilizes underwriting, pricing, and portfolio management tools to support decision-making and execution.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional, and social wellbeing goals.

What This Job Offers

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