AVP, Auto Underwriting Portfolio

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.

We are looking for a positive and experienced AVP, Auto Underwriting Portfolio to join our team. You will report directly to the VP, National Underwriting & Fraud of Aviva Canada.

This position will be responsible for managing the national auto portfolio, driving the technical product & underwriting strategy across Aviva Canada’s Personal & Specialty Lines portfolio. Driving the modernization and simplification of underwriting in alignment with and leveraging digital transformation. This role collaborates with the Pricing and Customer teams on new product development and product reviews balancing our customer and broker experience with the requirement to handle underwriting risks.

Our ideal candidate will align and partner with key stakeholders influencing product and policy build to increase automation and efficiencies, reduce friction and improve our customer and broker experience.

Come join our team!

What you'll do:

• Manage the national personal insurance auto portfolio.
• Leverage data insights to develop and implement corporate underwriting strategies, tactics, policies and procedures to support business goals.
• Oversee the team’s shift to an analytics-based, AI-supported strategy, and develop a consistent plan for the team that fits in with Aviva’s corporate strategy.
• Ensure monitoring of auto portfolio to drive competitive review and ensure that product & underwriting strategies are optimized to derive profitable growth .
• Prepare and negotiate underwriting filings with regulators and provide direction to stakeholders on insurance regulations.
• Manage the auto product suite by regularly reviewing market data/trends against portfolio and implement updates to remain relevant and competitive.
• Ensure compliance to the Personal Insurance Underwriting Appetite.
• Embed a strong risk culture within the team including significant individual accountability and ownership of risk management activities.
• Ensure the accurate regulatory oversight in each region in Canada and that our products, pricing, and regulatory practices will be in line with requirements.
• Collaborate with and provide support to IT, distribution partners, Underwriting Operations, and Digital teams to drive simplification, modernization, increase automation and efficiency towards near-100% STP.
• Supervise regulatory websites, regulator bulletin, and announcements as well as industry bulletins from the IBC (Insurance Bureau of Canada).
• Provide support and consultation to the Government Relations team roles from a PI UW perspective during advocacy efforts or when regulatory changes are under review.
• Contribute to the development of business strategy and risk appetite, providing insights regarding current and anticipated insurance regulatory and industry trends. 
• Leading key relationships with the PI SLT (Senior Leadership Team) and senior level stakeholders in Operations, Pricing, Claims, Risk and Legal.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Finance or similar. MBA Preferred.
• CRM, CIP or FCIP preferred.
• 10 years of experience in Technical Insurance functions (e.g., Underwriting, Product, Pricing) for a global Property and Casualty carrier.
• Proven track record with regulators, industry committees and other regulatory boards across Canada.
• Excellent judgement and analytical skills with the ability to collect, coordinate, analyze and disseminate significant information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills (written, verbal) with well-developed ability to correspond with senior leaders, peers, direct reports, and external contacts.
• High level of analytical and problem-solving skills to identify clearly and address gaps in policies/ procedures and adherence to these policies and procedures.
• Solid understanding of company underwriting philosophy, PI underwriting strategy, policy contracts, PI products, risk information sources, and underwriting manuals.
• Showed strength at leading multiple and changing priorities/projects and delivering results.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary team that is geographically dispersed.
• A leader with integrity and credibility and positive relationship management (both internal and external), with strong negotiation, influencing and execution skills.

What you’ll get

Together, we are Aviva. Our values — Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence — guide how we show up for each other and for our customers. Individually, they’re words. Together, they define who we are.

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

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to join our Lifestyle Underwriting department as the Team Leader in Western Canada. This role is pivotal in driving excellence in underwriting practices, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring the delivery of consistent, high-quality risk assessments aligned with our company’s values and strategic goals.

As the Lifestyle Underwriting Team Leader, you will oversee a team of skilled underwriters, providing mentorship, technical guidance, and performance management. You will play a key role in shaping underwriting strategies, optimizing workflows, and collaborating cross-functionally to support innovation and continuous improvement in our underwriting approach.

This is an exciting opportunity for a results-driven professional with a passion for leadership, a deep understanding of lifestyle products, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service and risk management outcomes

The leader's directive is to ensure the team provides our brokers with a world-class customer experience that sets Aviva apart from the competition. 

Come join our team!

What you’ll do

We are looking for an experienced and customer-focused leader to join our Retail Underwriting team. In this role, you will lead a team of underwriters supporting Home, Auto, and Recreational insurance products while driving service excellence, underwriting quality, employee development, and business performance. 

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing underwriting team.

• Drive strong underwriting outcomes, customer satisfaction, and broker service excellence.

• Support operational efficiency, capacity planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Monitor performance metrics and provide ongoing coaching and development.

• Partner with stakeholders across the business to support growth, profitability, and change initiatives.

What you’ll bring

• • 7+ years of Personal Lines underwriting experience, including Home and Auto insurance.
• Previous people leadership experience with a proven ability to coach, develop, and motivate teams.
• Strong understanding of underwriting principles, risk assessment, and operational performance.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• CIP designation (or progress toward completion) is an asset. 

What you’ll get

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.  OR

The salary band for this position ranges from 160 - 190K plus applicable bonus. Please note that individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experience, as well as internal equity.

• 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. 

• Employee discount on home and auto insurance (where applicable).

This job advertisement is for an existing vacancy which has been posted both internally & externally.

Aviva Canada may use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools to assist us throughout the recruitment process to screen, assess or select applicants for a position.

Aviva Canada welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and has a process in place to provide accommodations for persons with disabilities at all stages of the hiring process and during employment. If you require accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged.