Vice President, Underwriting Operations and Distribution

We currently have a position available in our Edmonton office for the newly created role of Vice President, Underwriting Operations & Distribution. Reporting to the President and CEO, this Vice President role is a key member of the Executive team and shares responsibility within the executive group for the development and execution of the Company’s long-term strategic plans and the overall direction and philosophy of the Company. This role is responsible for the strategy, scale and performance of the underwriting systems and broker experience, which includes broker training, digital tools, and internal underwriting operations.

This role provides strategic direction and guidance through continuous monitoring and improvement of system processes and digital experiences of brokers and employees and is responsible for identifying opportunities and implementing processes and practices to mitigate distribution related risks, while maintaining profitability, regulatory compliance and competitiveness.

**What You’ll Do**:

- Establish strategic objectives and oversee the execution of distribution and marketing initiatives that align with and support the company’s strategic plan.
- Provide strategic direction for both underwriting system operations and the broker experience, digital tools, broker integrations, and continuous improvement of internal system processes.
- Improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance broker and customer satisfaction through implementation of effective distribution and operations strategies.
- Establish and maintain relationships with key vendors, broker partners, and stakeholders.
- Monitor and analyze performance metrics to identify opportunities and drive long term improvement initiatives.
- Develop a team of distribution and operations professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
- Establish and implement short and long term marketing goals to enhance both the company brand and the broker sales experience
- Oversee the execution of marketing initiatives, broker communications and related policies and processes
- Partner with other senior leaders to craft and execute operational strategies that optimize product distribution and drive profitability while ensuring regulatory compliance and exceptional levels of service
- Work with key internal teams, brokers, and vendors to drive continuous improvements and streamline underwriting operations
- Identify and monitor key distribution risks and develop and implement processes for management and mitigation of such risks
- Ensure regulatory compliance and market conduct standards are met in the distribution of products and services
- Develop marketing budgets and operational timelines that track progress and ensure strategic goals are met within financial constraints
- Promote Peace Hills and its services in the marketplace with primary and secondary stakeholders
- Stay current on industry trends in broker digital distribution and participate in industry groups with this focus
- Develop and recommend policies, strategies and objectives designed to achieve the corporate vision, including short term and long term strategic initiatives
- Develop and achieve organizational objectives and key performance targets

**What You’ll Bring**:

- A Masters or Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or Business Administration or related post-secondary education
- CIP or FCIP designation
- Minimum of 15 years underwriting and/or broker experience within the insurance industry, including at least 5 years of leadership experience at a Senior Management or Executive level
- Understanding of technology and how systems contribute to efficient service delivery and especially through brokers
- Proven experience in supporting complex business models, including broker distribution, digital broker and underwriting tools, and broker management systems
- Knowledge in both brand and broker marketing with experience in the promotion of corporate products and services
- Advanced knowledge of systems used by property and casualty insurers and insurance brokers
- Comprehensive knowledge of underwriting, claims and related billing processes and the interdependency of each
- Experience with complex operations and working collaboratively with multi-faceted teams
- Ability to proactively participate in a team environment and be a change leader, while ensuring engagement and alignment of team members to goals
- Clearly able to communicate complex ideas and strategies, from executive leadership to operational teams, ensuring alignment and clarity
- Ability to bridge the needs of the business with technological complexities in a practical and understandable manner
- Able to mentor and develop high-performing teams, nurturing leadership potential at every level
- Proven marketing focus and applicable corporate experience at a senior level
- Advanced knowledge of social media marketing and the strategic use of online marketing tools
- Accessible, approachab