VP, Head of Life Underwriting and Claims - 9468

My client is one of the worlds largest Reinsurance Company and is seeking a dynamic leader to head its Life underwriting and claims team.

This individual will collaborate with various stakeholders within the company to partner with Canadian insurers, developing innovative solutions for the Canadian market.

They will be a recognized industry expert and responsible for nurturing the company’s brand in the market. Familiarity with trends in claims and underwriting and the use of technology is essential, as this role involves shaping the future of underwriting.

Job Responsibilities

People Management :

• Manage a team of underwriters and claims professionals focused on production, research & development, audits, training, and client communication.
• Oversee team performance and production to ensure alignment with corporate goals and client expectations.
• Evaluate team performance, develop compensation strategies, and support career growth.
• Provide guidance on resolving underwriting problems generated by day-to-day caseloads.
• Oversee processes, systems, controls, and tools for underwriting and claims services.
• Foster collaboration within the company, both locally and globally.

Thought Leadership :

• Be recognized as an expert and go-to resource for peers in the insurance industry.
• Enhance visibility and presence in the industry as a "knowledge expert" through writing, speaking, training, committee involvement, etc.
• Oversee underwriting policy and guidelines in the Canadian market.
• Lead underwriting efforts supporting pricing projects (, RFPs) and client initiatives.
• Guide the team in research and development projects.
• Act as the Canadian underwriting expert on global projects and committees.

Client Engagement :

• Interact with client companies to develop customized programs (both SGLA and client-generated), revise underwriting requirements, and provide solutions to highly sensitive underwriting-related issues.
• Listen to clients' needs and respectfully explain the company’s position.
• Build, nurture, and strengthen client relationships with their peers, their teams, and others within the industry.
• Serve as a mentor to the team during their interactions / negotiations with client companies.

Future Vision for Underwriting :

• Stay informed about underwriting trends in Canada and other markets.
• Understand the current and potential role of technology in underwriting.
• Develop a vision for the future of underwriting.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications :

• 10 + years of insurance / reinsurance underwriting experience.
• 3 + years of management experience within a life underwriting department.
• Expertise in individual life and critical illness insurance underwriting and knowledge of claims.
• In-depth knowledge of life and living benefit insurance industry products, distribution, and services.
• Demonstrate behaviors such as partnership, transparency, authenticity, innovative problem-solving, and passion.
• Ability to bring out the best in people and manage change.
• Strategic mindset paired with a focus on delivery and execution.
• Open-mindedness and curiosity to learn and challenge the status quo, both for personal growth and to improve the team.
• Self-motivated and autonomous.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual : English and French is an asset.

Educational Requirements :

• A bachelor's degree is required; advanced degrees are preferred.
• Designations such as Fellow Life Management Institute (FLMI) and Fellow of the Academy of Life Underwriting (FALU) or their equivalents are highly desirable.

DGA Careers has been proudly serving the Canadian insurance industry for over 30 years, specializing in providing insurance recruiting services to major insurers, insurance brokerage firms and independent adjusting firms.

With offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Edmonton, and Calgary, DGA Careers is well positioned to conduct searches with a national scope.

Our unrivalled professional network across Canada provides us with the ability to reach vital key influencers and passive candidates nationally.