AVP, Group Underwriting
Waterloo, ON, Canada Req #2356 Friday, July 5, 2024 At Equitable, we realize that your work life is not just about performing a job; it's about being part of a workplace that helps you grow and reach your full potential. Within our friendly and collaborative work environment, we recognize that the key to our growth and success is a dedicated, motivated and client-responsive staff. Join Equitable today.
Position Title : AVP, Group Underwriting
Reports To : Executive Vice President, Group Insurance Division
Department : Group Insurance Term : Permanent Full-Time
Work Arrangements : This is a hybrid role. You will work in our office in Waterloo, ON a minimum of two (2) assigned, consecutive days every other week, plus a fifth (5th) assigned day per month. You are welcome to work from the office more than the minimum requirement and there may be some roles that are required to work in our office more than the minimum requirement.
The Opportunity : The AVP, Group Underwriting is a key member of the Group Division’s leadership team with complete management accountability for three key areas of the Group business : Group Underwriting (new business / renewals), National Client Service Representatives, and Client Issue and Implementation. Through proactive leadership and coaching, the AVP will work with their teams to implement and deliver exceptional Underwriting, Client Service, and Client On-boarding services supporting the growth on the Group business. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, Group Insurance Division, this role will participate in establishing and maintaining the strategic direction of the Group business.
The ideal candidate will have a seasoned understanding of the Group market and a strong track record of successful leadership in Group underwriting and client servicing. They will also need to be a strong people leader and coach with a passion for working closely with clients, distribution partners and internal peers to accomplish consistent win-win outcomes.
What you will be doing :
- Responsible for the development, implementation and on-going refinement of underwriting guidelines, practices and procedures for the Group Division balancing risk assessment with business growth, and ensuring compliance with Company, reinsurer, and regulatory standards.
- Lead the delivery of effective new business and renewal underwriting activities, working closely with the Group Sales and other Group departments to attract, implement, and retain Group clients.
- Coach, develop, and provide on-going guidance to a team of six managers and their staff and continuously advance a strong employee engagement environment.
- Oversee large case underwriting decisions and collaborate with external reinsurance partners to support the growth of the business.
- Collaborate closely with other Group departments (Product, Marketing, Pricing, Distribution, Operations, Finance, Technology), to support the development of new and existing products and service ensuring that features and are aligned with the needs of our clients.
- Sponsor key IT and operational projects designed to simplify quotation, on-boarding, servicing, and renewal processes for our clients and distribution partners.
- Maintain all service and quality metrics for underwriting, client support, and client on-boarding.
- Manage non-standard contractual exceptions and coverage requests.
- Establish and manage team operational budgets and business growth investments.
- Participate and provide on-going input to the development of the Group business strategic plan.
- Collaborate with sales teams to develop and maintain key relationships with distribution partners.
- Represent the business at industry meetings and participate in advisor and client presentations.
- Support the development of new data management tools and capabilities (AI, BI, Analytics).
What you will bring :
15+ years of in-depth Group underwriting knowledge and experience.Exceptional knowledge of group benefits and understanding of business & market implications.Proven ability to balance decision making to attract, retain, and renew business.You are a disciplined, creative leader accomplished at writing balanced guidelines for others to follow.A strong background in process management preferably in a client-facing environment requiring strong attention to details and experience in sponsoring process improvement initiatives.You bring a seasoned track record as a people leader capable of developing a highly engaging team environment, delivering on-going coaching and development for all leaders and staff.A collaborative and influential leader who is credible and builds and maintains an environment of trust with internal teams, sales partners, and external distribution relationships.A sense of urgency and a desire to out-perform competitors in service delivery to clients and advisors.Polished negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.University degree is required.Industry designations are an asset.What’s in it for you :
A healthy work-life balance with employee wellness top of mindAnnual bonus program, annual vacation allowance, and company-paid benefits programAn additional paid volunteer day each year so you can spend time giving back to the communityImmediate enrollment in the company’s pension program with employer matchingEmployee resource groups that support an inclusive work environmentTuition support and specialized program assistanceAn onsite, full-service cafeteria with a variety of daily optionsDiscounts on company products and services, and access to exclusive employee perks Regular EQ Together events focused on company togetherness and collaborationAs part of the recruitment / offer process you will be required to :
Provide two professional references (minimum one supervisor and above)Undergo a criminal background checkUndergo verification of your educational successesUndergo a credit checkTo learn more about Equitable, we encourage you to explore our organization.
At Equitable, we are committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities across our organization. Please contact our HR team at if you would like to receive our job postings in an alternative format or require an accommodation with the application process.
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