Director, Regional Commercial Underwriting

The Opportunity

We are looking for a proven, strategic leader to join our Commercial Insurance team in Quebec. Reporting directly to the AVP, underwriting, Commercial Insurance, you will be responsible for driving profitable growth in Commercial Insurance in Quebec.

You will play a key role in developing and shaping our team, ensuring its alignment with the company's overall strategic objectives. This role may require some travel for broker relationship management and participation in industry events.

What to expect

• Manage and mentor a team of underwriting leaders and professionals (SME and Mid-Market) in Quebec. Guide their day-to-day operations—including risk selection, developing underwriting solutions, negotiation, and service—while fostering their technical and professional growth.
• Oversee risk selection for all transaction types (e.g., quotes, new business, endorsements, renewals, policy cancellations, etc.) and ensure that the team adheres to corporate underwriting guidelines, standard operating procedures, and strategy.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the Quebec broker relationship management strategy, ensuring our broker partners receive exceptional service in every interaction.
• Help shape underwriting strategies and action plans for the Quebec market, collaborating with regional teams to ensure strategic consistency. 

Leadership & People Development

• Lead the talent management strategy for Commercial Insurance in Quebec, including resource planning, retention, succession, and recruitment.
• Align your team’s performance and development goals with corporate priorities, segmentation strategies, underwriting guidelines, and performance targets.
• Demonstrate active leadership by fostering a culture of a high engagement and collaboration.
• Actively participate in calibrating underwriting authority based on each employee’s knowledge, skills, and judgment.
• Leverage Quality Assurance results to identify technical knowledge gaps and partner with Technical Specialists to enhance the team’s capabilities.
• Anticipate and address skill gaps by defining targeted development strategies with key partners.
• Champion a high-performance culture focused on technical discipline, productivity, and sustainable profitable growth.
• Bring our corporate values to life and Code of Business Conduct through exemplary leadership.

Strategy & Planning

• Define the medium- and long-term growth strategy for Quebec, ensuring its alignment with organizational priorities and market dynamics.
• Participate in meetings and management committees to identify and prioritize strategies that address risks and opportunities.
• Contribute to talent development and regional operational optimization by integrating the perspectives, needs, and challenges of our Quebec broker partners into our strategies.
• In collaboration with the Quality Assurance team and Head Office, implement corrective measures to address any deviation from underwriting guidelines.

Underwriting Operational and Technical Expertise

• Lead and engage your team to drive profitable portfolio growth through rigorous discipline in risk selection, renewals, and service.
• Leverage performance data and market insights to identify opportunities for improvement and maintain a profitable portfolio.
• Ensure the strict application of underwriting principles, tools, and guidelines to maintain consistent and profitable practices.
• Ensure risk selection aligns with our operating standards and segmentation strategies.
• Design and implement solutions to achieve profitable growth objectives and mentor team members as needed.
• Demonstrate sound underwriting judgment and a deep understanding of products, coverage, reinsurance, risk exposures, and wordings, and help develop these skills within your team.
• Oversee the quality and rigour of negotiations with our broker partners regarding terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Ensure your team's practices comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.

Sales Management

• Elevate your teams by fostering a culture of performance, developing talent, and continuously raising operational standards.

• Identify and act on growth opportunities with our broker partners.

• Effectively engage with brokers to negotiate services and conditions, providing them with the tools they need to recommend us as the insurer of choice.

• Be accountable for meeting growth, retention, and profitability targets, and hold your team accountable for the same.

What You Bring

• University degree or a two-year college diploma in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Insurance), or equivalent professional experience. A Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) or Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) designation is preferred.

• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive Commercial Underwriting experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role, with a proven track record of managing teams and achieving business goals. 

• Fluency in French and English, both spoken and written, is required.

• A demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and retain high-performing teams. Experience in performance management is essential.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and translate vision into concrete action plans. 

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt messages for various audiences, from senior management to brokers.

• Highly motivated and results-oriented, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• A passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and making a positive impact.

Salary Range: $134,300 - $184,300

Actual salary for the role may vary depending on work location of the successful candidate and other factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, working conditions and the local labour market.

This position is being posted to fill an existing vacancy.

Interested in this role, but don’t meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply! We know from experience that a candidate doesn’t need 100% of the qualifications listed to bring incredible value to our team. We’re actively seeking diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help us make insurance better. At Definity, inclusion, diversity, and equity aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re essential to our success. 

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid work schedule for most roles
• Company share ownership program
• Incentive Program - Eligible employees may participate in various incentive plans which are paid out at the discretion of the company and subject to individual and company performance.
• Pension and savings programs, with company-matched RRSP contributions
• Paid volunteer days and company matching on charitable donations
• Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid time off to study for exams
• Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC counsellors, access to programs for working parents 
• Wellness and recognition programs 
• Discounts on products and services

Go ahead and expect a lot — you deserve it.

It’s better here — but don’t take our word for it. Definity was named by Great Place to Work® as one of the Best Workplaces™ in Canada for women, for youth, and for inclusion.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [email protected]. 

As part of Definity’s commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that our work, meetings, and travel take place on the lands now known as Canada, and recognize the enduring presence, wisdom, and stewardship of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have long cared for these lands.

Background checks

This role requires successful clearance of background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).

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