Commercial Underwriter P&C at Aviva in Canada

Commercial Underwriter P&C
Location: Canada - Ottawa ON 2100-112 Kent Street
Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.
At Aviva Canada, we put people first, our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most.
We have an exciting opportunity within our Middle Market Commercial Insurance business unit.  Our Ottawa Commercial Insurance branch is hiring a Property & Casualty Underwriter and are open to candidates at both the Intermediate and Senior levels.
The successful candidate will support profitable growth through high-quality underwriting with a Middle Market focus.  These are medium-sized accounts in select segments, which typically have an annual premium band over $25k, with account size, complexity, and authority aligned to level.
As a Commercial P & C Underwriter, you are accountable to collaborate with internal partners to review new business submissions, existing business renewals, and to provide technical expertise to brokers and customers—ensuring risks are appropriately priced.   You will also play a key role in mentoring and guiding colleagues.  We’re looking for insightful, business-minded professionals who are passionate about service excellence and committed to driving profitable growth.
We welcome applicants anywhere from 5 plus years of insurance and underwriting experience.  We will determine level based on experience.
What you’ll do
All Levels
Qualify and underwrite new business opportunities, retain and service existing business of an assigned Middle Market portfolio through understanding the needs and risk characteristics of the customer while ensuring both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability.
Set coverage terms and conditions and establish premiums to produce sustainable profit for assigned accounts.
Be self-motivated and proactively pursue and develop internal and external relationships to deliver exceptional broker and customer service.
Act as a knowledge resource for colleagues as well as authorize risks within their own established authority level.
Maintain awareness of market trends and conditions with respect to price levels and legal trends.  Participate in developing business cases for pricing, coverage, and/or product improvements.
Effectively utilize Commercial Insurance systems and tools
Intermediate Underwriter
At the intermediate level, you will:
Independently underwrite Middle Market commercial accounts within assigned authority
Review new business submissions and renewals, referring more complex risks as appropriate
Deliver responsive, solutions-oriented broker and customer service
Contribute to market research, pricing insights, and produce/coverage discussions
Support updates to underwriting guidelines, bulletins, and procedures
Help identify emerging risk trends and participate in remediation strategies
Support learning and development initiatives, including assisting with training and knowledge sharing
Senior Underwriter
At the senior level you will:
Take on broader technical leadership and portfolio accountability
Independently underwriting Middle Market commercial accounts within assigned authority
Act as a technical referral and escalation point for junior and intermediate underwriters
Drive profitable growth through disciplined risk selection and portfolio management
Provide insight on market trends, loss drivers, and underwriting performance
Participate in pricing, coverage, and product enhancements contributing to underwriting guidelines and manuals
Mentor and develop underwriting talent; supporting formal and informal training initiatives
Conduct broker meetings to develop new business and retain key profitable accounts
Serve as a subject matter expert withing the branch
What You’ll Bring
Intermediate Candidates:
3 plus years of Commercial P & C underwriting experience
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience
CIP designation completed or in progress
Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills
Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Senior Candidates:
7 plus years of Commercial P & C underwriting experience
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience
CIP or FCIP designation preferred
Deep knowledge of underwriting philosophy, policy contracts, pricing, and risk assessment
Expertise in one or more of the following segments: Construction and Contractors including Builders Risks, Commercial Realty, Manufacturing, and Wholesale
Strong presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder influencing capabilities
Ability to mentor and coach more junior underwriters in upskilling technical knowledge
Self-motivated and proactive in pursuing potential opportunities while maintaining underwriting integrity
What makes you stand out
Strong service orientation with a solution focused mindset
Ability to proactively identify and pursue growth opportunities
Professional, confident communicator who builds long-term relationships
Ability to think outside of the box through experience-based decision making
What you’ll get
The salary band for this position ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 for the intermediate position and $70,000 to $90,000 for the senior position.  Please note that individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, as well as internal equity.
Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
Hybrid flexible work model.
Outstanding career development opportunities.
We’ll support your professional development education.
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.

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is a new position which has been posted internally and externally.

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.