AVP, Commercial Underwriting P&C

Experience Aviva

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.

The Opportunity

As the Head of Underwriting – Aviva Business, you will serve as the P&L owner for small and mid-market commercial lines business in the region. You will lead the execution of underwriting strategy and drive profitable growth across a diverse, broker‑led region. You will work closely with Distribution colleagues, and partner with our Global Corporate and Specialty leadership team to deliver Aviva’s broad and compelling proposition to the British Columbia market.

This market-facing leadership role is accountable for delivering underwriting excellence, managing branch operations, and fostering strong broker relationships. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Aviva Business in British Columbia, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric outcomes.

What you’ll do

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the regional Commercial Lines strategy aligned with national goals and diversification objectives.

• Lead underwriting transformation initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness and consistency across geographies.

• Champion a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and high performance within the underwriting teams.

• Own the regional P&L, ensuring achievement of business targets through quality underwriting and cost control.

• Monitor market trends, competitive positioning, and large loss activity to inform underwriting strategy.

• Act as the senior relationship lead for key brokers, driving mutual value and improved Net Promoter Scores (NPS).

• Collaborate with Broker Distribution to develop and execute broker partner plans and regional engagement strategies.

Governance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with corporate governance, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.

• Lead regulatory and audit engagements, serving as the corporate representative to external bodies.

• Embed a strong risk culture and maintain effective risk management frameworks within the region.

Talent and Culture

• Build and develop a high-performing leadership team of underwriting experts.

• Foster a culture of empowerment, accountability, and continuous development.

• Support internal mobility and career development across Aviva Business and Aviva Canada.

What you’ll bring

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Finance, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience. FCIP, FCAS, FCIA, or an equivalent professional designation is required\

• 10–15 years of progressive experience in Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance, with at least 5 years in commercial underwriting and product development.

• Proven success in leading a commercial lines business within a reputable insurance organization.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans that drive profitable growth and market competitiveness.

• Deep understanding of the Canadian insurance marketplace, including emerging trends and competitive dynamics.

• Demonstrated experience operating in broker‑led commercial insurance markets, with strong familiarity with the British Columbia commercial landscape considered a significant asset.

• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to apply statistical and financial analysis to planning, forecasting, and performance evaluation.

• Expertise in risk selection, market segmentation, and optimizing underwriting strategies using data-driven insights.

• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing teams.

• Inspirational leadership style that energizes teams and fosters a culture of accountability, inclusion, and excellence.

• Versatile and critical thinker with the ability to identify priorities, analyze root causes, and develop innovative solutions.

What you’ll get

• The salary band for this position ranges from $160,000 to $190,000. Please note that individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and 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 & 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.