Senior Commercial Underwriting, Technical Specialist
Acts as a senior technical authority supporting underwriting referrals, portfolio audits, and non-traditional distribution channels to ensure disciplined risk selection, governance, and profitable growth across the BC and AB P&C portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Referral & Technical Underwriting Oversight :
- Review and support complex referrals exceeding frontline underwriting authority
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Provide guidance on coverage structuring, pricing adequacy, and risk mitigation
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Ensure consistency with underwriting appetite and corporate guidelines
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Act as escalation point for HO referrals
Audit & Portfolio Governance :
- Support underwriting audits (internal, MGA, broker facilities)
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Identify trends in risk selection, pricing, and documentation gaps
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Deliver actionable recommendations and track remediation
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Support regulatory and compliance within region
Alternative Distribution Management :
- Oversee underwriting integrity across MGAs, program business and DUA channels
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Evaluate new business opportunities
- Ensure alignment of delegated authority agreements and controls
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Monitor performance (loss ratio, hit ratio, retention, growth)
Portfolio Optimization & Strategy :
- Analyze portfolio performance and identify profitability opportunities
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Support appetite refinement and product development initiatives
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Partner with actuarial on pricing adequacy and segmentation
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Contribute to catastrophe exposure and aggregation oversight
Stakeholder Engagement :
- Collaborate with brokers, MGAs, and internal teams (claims, actuarial, BD)
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Provide technical training and mentorship to underwriting teams
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Support business development with disciplined underwriting input
Core Competencies
- Advanced Underwriting Expertise (Property, Liability, Auto – Commercial focus)
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Analytical & Portfolio Management Skills
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Governance & Audit Discipline
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Negotiation & Influencing Skills
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Strong Business Acumen & Distribution Knowledge
Experience & Qualifications
- 5–10+ years in P&C underwriting (commercial lines preferred)
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Deep experience with complex risks and delegated authority models (MGAs)
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Proven track record in audit, referrals, or technical underwriting roles
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CIP, FCIP, or equivalent designation preferred
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Strong understanding of Canadian regulatory and market landscape
Why Join Optimum?
At Optimum Group, we are proud to be a wholly owned Canadian company with international operations and a people-first culture.
We offer:
- Flexible working hours
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Hybrid work model (3 days in office)
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Centrally located offices accessible by public transit
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Competitive compensation package
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Strong commitment to work-life balance
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Employee-focused culture with high engagement
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Monthly team-building and social activities
Join a company where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions make a real impact.
