Senior Manager, MGA Underwriting

Company: Sovereign General

Department: SOV - MGA Portfolio

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid

Language: English is required, French is an asset.

Additional Information: This/these role(s) is/are currently vacant

The Opportunity:

As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Cooperators General Insurance company, Sovereign Insurance believes your experience matters. This is our promise to not only our clients but to our employees as well, because we know the strength of our company starts with our people. The smart, curious and collaborative people who bring their whole heart and passion to work each day. But you can't pour from an empty cup; we take care of the well-being of our people so that they are inspired to protect Canadian businesses and the lives, families and communities we impact. Join us and begin shaping your experience at Sovereign.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Equipment Breakdown & Management of General Agencies (MGA) Operations, the role will be responsible for managing a team of Underwriters to support growth and accelerate profitability through effective underwriting and controls. The position will also serve to provide underwriting guidance on referrals, support day-to-day client interactions, and execute underwriting audits.

As a member of the Specialty Lines Leadership team, the incumbent will engage with key stakeholders and partners to achieve short and long-term growth and profitability goals. They will act as a role model to empower the team to successfully achieve the vision and drive our MGA strategy.

How you will create impact:

• Manage delegated authority underwriting operations nationwide, ensuring consistent application of standards, protocols, and compliance practices.
• Maintain strong relationships with MGA partners through regular engagement, resolving escalated inquiries, and overseeing underwriting requests such as referrals, exclusions, and escalations.
• Direct external partner audits and collaborate with Underwriters, MGA teams, and other stakeholders to resolve issues effectively.
• Partner with National Underwriting on requests related to wording, referrals, rates, and audit reporting, while monitoring service level agreements.
• Analyze and implement technological or process changes to improve workflow, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Provide feedback and insights to support continuous improvement, product development, and enhancement of tools and resources.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Finance, Portfolio Analytics, and Specialty Underwriting to ensure a holistic approach to risk management.
• Lead development and execution of underwriting plans, budgets, and strategic goals; monitor market trends and adjust business priorities accordingly.
• Inspire and coach the team, set performance objectives, conduct appraisals, manage compensation, and foster a high-performance, inclusive, and psychologically safe culture.
• Organize meetings, prepare reports and presentations, maintain documentation, and represent the organization at industry events and community engagements.

How you will succeed:

• You thrive on delivering our exceptional client experience through positive and engaging relationships; embracing accountability to achieve effective results.
• You ensure your day-to-day actions are in harmony with the company's purpose, vision, and values even when challenged.
• You are open and adaptable to changing conditions with a natural curiosity to explore and try new approaches.
• You value cooperative and collaborative dialogue because diverse perspectives offer more creative and productive solutions.

To join our team:

• You have post-secondary education in Business Administration/Commerce or a related discipline.
• Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation required; Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) and CRM designation considered an asset.
• 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience in delegated authority, including a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role. Preference will be given to candidates that have managed MGA portfolios.
• Proven ability to build and execute strategic plans, interpret profit/loss and claims data, and make informed pricing and coverage decisions.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels; bilingualism (English/French) considered an asset.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities with strong business and financial acumen.
• In-depth understanding of the commercial and specialty insurance marketplace, including products, distribution channels, regulatory practices, and subject matter expertise in at least one coverage area (Commercial Property, Equipment Breakdown, or Professional Liability).
• This position primarily works with majority non-francophone groups, and teams located outside of Québec, and requires proficiency in English. The essential non-French duties are not assignable to adjacent or other team members.

What you need to know:

• Strict confidentiality with respect to employee's personal information and other sensitive or proprietary material.
• Detail oriented work that requires a high degree of mental concentration for extended periods of time.
• Extended work hours may be required.
• You will be subject to a Background check as a condition of employment, in the event you are the successful candidate.
• This position will operate on a hybrid work posture which will require an in-office presence of at least twice a week.

What's in it for you?

• The opportunity to take on challenging work and contribute your expertise, creativity, and passion in meaningful ways.
• A comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive salary, bonus, paid time off, pension and benefits.
• A holistic approach to your well-being, with physical and mental health programs and flexible work options.
• The opportunity to work on an inclusive team who inspire each other to explore and achieve what's possible.
• An organizational commitment to sustainability and charitable giving; positively impacting the social, environmental and economic well-being of Canadian businesses, families and communities.

Expected Salary Range: $131,124 -- $218,540

The salary amount for the successful candidate is determined by Co-operators in its discretion and will vary depending on several criteria including but not limited to: local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualification, experience and education.

Employees may also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn additional compensation tied to individual and/or business performance, or other business metrics.