VP – Middle Market - Ontario Region

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada. 

Zurich Canada is seeking an experienced Vice President, Middle Market, Ontario Region to lead our Ontario Middle Market business. Based in Toronto and reporting to the SVP, Middle Market, Zurich Canada, this is a senior market-facing leadership opportunity with responsibility for the success of the Middle Market portfolio across Ontario. 

You will shape and execute business and underwriting strategy, drive profitable portfolio performance, deepen strategic broker and customer relationships, and develop the underwriting talent that will support the business into the future. The role combines commercial leadership, P&C underwriting expertise, market influence and people development, making it an opportunity to have impact well beyond the management of an existing portfolio. 

For candidates motivated by broader business ownership, this role offers the chance to influence strategy and results while building strong relationships across the Ontario market and developing future underwriting leaders. 

This posting is for an existing vacancy. Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence-enabled tools to support certain aspects of recruitment, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection, and all hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in-person presence, which may include time in the office or market-facing engagements.

What you will do:

•    Establish key performance targets and financial budgets for the underwriting unit to optimize business performance in line with set objectives.
•    Contribute to business strategy to align underwriting strategy with wider business goals.
•    Encourage healthy collaboration to deliver customer solutions.
•    Develop a team of underwriters for success in the market.
•    Review underwriting processes and policies to ensure they align with strategic business objectives.
•    Manage relationships with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for service improvement, commercial viability and customer satisfaction.
•    Participate in leadership meetings to provide guidance and support the implementation of policies, projects and change initiatives that produce profitable results.
•    Oversee development plans for underwriters to build capability and bench strength that drive business results.
•    Underwrite and analyze new and renewal business within delegated authority levels.
•    Recommend and implement action plans with broker partners to drive profitable growth.
•    Develop and maintain broker relationships in support of business retention and new business, working with brokers and customers to understand their insurance-related needs and provide solutions.
•    Support the organization's sales and service culture as a trusted advisor to brokers and customers.
•    Ensure the development and implementation of policies, procedures and standards.

Job Qualifications - what you bring to the table:

•    Bachelor’s Degree and 12+ years of experience in Underwriting, Market Facing and/or Risk Management roles within the Commercial Insurance industry
•    5+ years of people management experience

Preferred Qualifications 
•    Advanced knowledge and practice of Middle Market Property & Casualty lines.
•    Established broker relationships in the Ontario region
•    Strong strategic planning and execution experience.
•    Demonstrated people management and team-building capabilities.
•    Strong organizational skills and experience managing a portfolio.
•    Strong relationship-building, presentation, negotiation and leadership skills.
•    Knowledge and experience in risk selection and assessment.
•    Strong understanding of P&C insurance industry operations and processes.
•    Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, regulations and guidelines. 

Our Culture

•    At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
•    We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact. 
•    We care about our employees’ well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.
•    We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.
•    We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion. 
•    We are committed to continuous improvement, and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities. 
•    We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.
•    We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.   

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 500 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.