Senior Underwriter (Farm)

Location: Regina Head Office or Saskatoon Property Claims - This role is eligible for hybrid working arrangements. This means you’ll have the flexibility of working from home and in the office on a scheduled rotation (in Regina Head Office or Saskatoon Property Claims) once probation requirements have been met. Until then, the successful incumbent will be expected to work on-site, full-time.

Apply by: September 30, 2024

The Senior Underwriter (Farm) is responsible for day-to-day team leadership and provides support, guidance advice and direction. The Senior Underwriter is responsible for underwriting complex, high touch, and high value risks for Commercial Lines insurance. Employees in this position review, evaluate, rate, and process insurance requests for Commercial Property. The Senior Underwriter is customer-focused and looks for innovative ways to improve the customer experience. The Senior Underwriter establishes relationships with brokers to develop lasting and profitable relationships. The Senior Underwriter mentors, delegates work, provides training, technical guidance, work review and approval to staff in junior positions.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Note: This section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities – other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Underwriting Operations

  • Reviews and evaluates quotes, new applications, renewals, revisions, and cancellations to determine risk acceptability for high touch, high value, critical accounts, corporate accounts and key broker partners.
  • Researches and obtains additional information on risk if required.
  • Evaluates complex risks and determines if risk is acceptable, needs modification, or should be declined based on analysis of all information pertinent to the risk and within the underwriter's authority.
  • Calculates premiums, ensuring that appropriate rates are used, and that application discounts and surcharges are applied. Formulates rating structures for exposures that do not fall within the standard rating models, guidelines and/or published rates.
  • Develops and recommends discretionary rate manipulation/modification based on risk exposure.
  • Negotiates with brokers as to the conditions, limitations, rates, and premiums to apply.
  • Reviews and approves requests that fall outside the authority levels of junior staff.
  • Identifies and recommends changes and/or improvements to wordings for policies, rate and procedure manuals, forms, product brochures, workflow/business processes and systems enhancements to the corporate head office team.
  • Participates in the review and development of new products, procedures, programs, and projects.
  • Participates in periodic work reviews for quality assurance purposes for underwriters and brokers.
  • Corresponds with brokers to request information and explain underwriting requirements and decisions.
  • Understands existing and emerging industry trends and market conditions, gathers intelligence, and applies this knowledge to business decisions.
  • Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to discuss Underwriting risk.
  • Determines SGI percentage of involvement on subscription policies and/or arranges for reinsurance.
  • Interprets and applies policy wordings, conditions, limitations, rates, and premiums, with a strong focus on customer needs.

Broker Experience and Relationship Management

  • Consults with and visits brokers to discuss underwriting issues, resolve service matters, and build relationships and becomes a trusted advisor.
  • Develops and maintains working relationships with brokers to generate a flow of profitable business and provides assistance in resolving any service matters.
  • Collaborates with claims and other departments to deliver a consistent experience to brokers and customers.
  • Assists with training to staff, brokers, and external parties on products and procedures. Prepares and conducts formal presentations.
  • Understand the technology brokers use and offers tailored approaches to deliver on the ease of doing business mandate.

Team Leadership

  • Monitors and oversees the assignment of work.
  • Delegates, reviews, and ensures quality of work.
  • Leads the implementation of business processes, operations and policies through training, practical application, and feedback.
  • Provides input or participates in performance feedback.

High Performance Team & Culture

  • Supports a culture of leadership and accountability to effectively meet the key accountabilities within the scope of the role.
  • Displays leadership by committing to a culture of continuous learning/development of self and supports others by actively sharing knowledge, providing guidance, mentoring, training, and supporting developmental opportunities.
  • Demonstrates that the Health, Safety and Emergency Management Policy is applied in area of responsibility for self and others.
  • Actively applies knowledge to support transformation and strategic initiatives of the corporation, while participating and advocating change and applying a growth mindset.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

  • Advanced knowledge of business operations and related assets of Commercial Property.
  • Advanced knowledge of the coverages of insurance products and related provincial/federal legislation for Commercial Property.
  • Advanced knowledge of the Principles & Practices of Insurance
  • Advanced knowledge and skill of the rating procedures, the interpretation and application of established criteria and/or procedures to determine appropriate premiums, coverages, and deductibles for applicable insurance products.
  • Advanced knowledge of operating systems, workflow and processes with the ability to apply this knowledge, handle a large portfolio of business, and deliver outstanding service for brokers.
  • Advanced knowledge of reinsurance procedures and requirements
  • Proficient knowledge of other lines of insurance.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

A two-year diploma from an accredited post-secondary education institution in a relevant field of study, such as Business, or defined equivalency.

EXPERIENCE

5 – 7 years’ experience in underwriting, with at least 3 of those in Farm.