Aviva

Sr Underwriter, Surety

In short

Senior/intermediate Contract Surety Underwriter role at Aviva Canada's Surety team in Vancouver, managing a portfolio of contractor accounts and broker relationships across Western Canada. The role covers underwriting risk assessment, business development, and client/broker service, with level adjusted to the candidate's experience. Requires about 3-5 years of contract surety or insurance underwriting experience, financial statement analysis skills, and strong relationship management abilities.

Experience Aviva
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.
The Opportunity
Join Aviva's Surety team and play a key role in supporting the growth and success of our Contract Surety business in Western Canada.
We are looking for talented underwriting professionals at various stages of their careers, from those looking to build their expertise in Surety to experienced Contract Surety Underwriters ready to take the next step. The level of the role, responsibilities, and accountabilities will be aligned to your experience and expertise.
In this role, you will partner with contractors and broker partners to assess opportunities, manage risk, and build strong, long-term relationships that support profitable growth. You will be responsible for the application and execution of Contract Surety underwriting policies, guidelines, and best practices across your portfolio, while delivering exceptional service to clients and brokers.
As a trusted advisor, you will help strengthen and expand Aviva's Surety presence by managing a portfolio of contractor accounts, collaborating with accredited brokers, and contributing to strategic business initiatives.
What you'll do
•Underwriting: Lead the underwriting and management of a diverse Contract Surety portfolio within your assigned region. Apply sound underwriting judgment to assess risk, support profitable growth, and deliver tailored surety solutions for contractors and broker partners. Work closely with accredited brokers and contractor clients, ensuring underwriting decisions align with Aviva's risk appetite, best practices, and strategic objectives.
•Business development & strategy: Support the execution of Aviva's Contract Surety growth strategy by identifying opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and develop new business partnerships. Collaborate with brokers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to expand market presence, drive profitable growth, and enhance the value proposition in the marketplace.
•Customer & Broker experience: Deliver exceptional service and responsive support to brokers, clients, and internal partners, providing timely solutions, clear communication, and strong technical expertise.
•Collaboration & Team contribution: Be an active and valued member of a collaborative, high-performing team. Share your expertise, mentor and support colleagues when needed, and contribute to a positive team culture.
What you'll bring
•Experience in Contract Surety Underwriting with approximately 3-5 years of experience preferred within a surety or insurance organization. Strong understanding of underwriting principles, risk assessment, and portfolio management, along with the ability to build trusted relationships with brokers, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
•Post-secondary education in Commerce, Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and industry experience will also be considered.
•Strong knowledge of the surety and construction industry, including contract surety underwriting practices, financial statement analysis, accounting fundamentals, and construction-related terminology and processes.
•Excellent analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate complex information, assess risk, and make sound underwriting recommendations that balance customer needs with business objectives.
•Proven relationship management and business development capabilities, including the confidence to negotiate, influence, and present effectively to a variety of audiences.
•Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate underwriting decisions, provide guidance, and build credibility with both internal and external partners.
•A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to navigate challenges, resolve issues effectively, and achieve positive outcomes for all parties involved.
•Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy, responsiveness, and customer service.
What you'll get
•The salary band for this position ranges from $100,000 to $120,000. Individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, as well as internal equity.
•Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
•Hybrid flexible work model.
•Outstanding career development opportunities.
•Support for 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 employees' physical and mental health.

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