At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a national team of underwriters and drive profitable growth in National Accounts.
- Company: Join Canada Life, a trusted leader in improving Canadians' well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible health benefits, career development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Flexible location options and commitment to employee growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping underwriting strategies for our largest clients.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in group benefits and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Reporting to the VP, Underwriting, the AVP, National Accounts Underwriting is accountable for leading a national team of underwriters and driving the profitable growth of the National Accounts segment. This role will champion a high-performance culture grounded in excellence, accountability, and collaboration across a distributed team. The AVP will play a critical role in elevating how we deliver underwriting insight, pricing, and solutions to meet the complex and evolving needs of our largest clients and consulting partners.
As a senior leader, you will define and execute strategy, build a high-calibre national underwriting capability, and partner across the Workplace Benefits and Retirement to deliver a differentiated client experience that strengthens retention, drives growth, and positions Canada Life competitively in the marketplace.
What you will do:
- National Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, coach, and develop a geographically dispersed team of underwriters, fostering a high-performance culture focused on engagement, capability building, and succession strength.
- Business Growth & Segment Ownership: Own the growth agenda for National Accounts, contributing to sales and retention outcomes through disciplined underwriting, innovative solutioning, and strategic decision-making.
- Technical Excellence & Oversight: Provide expert guidance on complex, high-value cases, ensuring consistent, high-quality underwriting decisions aligned to risk appetite and profitability targets.
- Strategic Leadership: Leverage deep insights into market dynamics, competitor positioning, and internal performance metrics to shape strategy and inform pricing and risk decisions.
- Stakeholder Influence, Business Collaboration & Market Presence: Build strong, credible relationships with key internal partners including business development and national consulting houses, influencing outcomes and positioning Canada Life as a preferred partner.
- Governance & Policy Leadership: Contribute to the evolution of underwriting policies and ensure disciplined adherence, providing clarity in interpretation and oversight across the national portfolio.
- Transformation & Innovation: Champion continuous improvement and innovation in underwriting practices, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency, insight, and client experience.
- Growth & Retention Strategy: Lead the development of tailored strategies and solutions that support and strengthen client retention in a highly competitive segment.
- Client & Advisor Experience: Identify and address pain points for consultants and customers, driving improvements that differentiate our offering and enhance ease of doing business.
- Change Leadership: Act as a catalyst for change, challenging conventional thinking and advancing new ways of working to strengthen our competitive position.
What you will bring:
- 10+ years’ experience in group benefits or related field
- 5+ years’ of leadership experience
- CPA, MBA, and FCIA are considered an asset
- University degree in Finance, Actuarial, Economics, Business / Commerce, or a related field
- Proven talent management and leadership track record, including organizational and individual team member success
- Ability to foster and drive organizational change through innovation and process optimization, change leadership and the development of a strong network of partners
- Enjoys building and fostering meaningful relationships
- Operations and process expertise; previous experience and familiarity with business processes in Group Life & Health
- Deep understanding of underwriting practices and policy development; you understand the linkage between underwriting policy and profitability
- Superior customer service focusing on operational efficiencies and cost effectiveness
- Confidence and competence with key Advisors and consulting houses to drive new business development
As this position is posted in several locations, we specify that bilingualism is an asset (fluent in French and English) but is required for Quebec only as the position will regularly serve our clients with French and English-speaking needs.
Reliability Status Security Clearance – this can only be completed with candidates who receive an offer of employment. This is a personal security status that is required as a condition of employment before an employee can gain access to Protected B information, assets or work sites as outlined by the Government of Canada website. The cost of submitting these checks will be covered by Canada Life.
Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in the following head office locations: Montreal, Toronto, London, Winnipeg.
What we offer:
- Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
- Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.
- Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
- Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.
- Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
- Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.
We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.
Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.
AVP, National Accounts Underwriting in London employer: Canada Life
Canada Life UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a modern and agile work environment in vibrant locations like Bristol, London, and Watford. With a strong focus on building better futures, the company fosters a welcoming culture and provides ample opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AVP, National Accounts Underwriting in London
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Canada Life). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Canada Life. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace AVP, National Accounts Underwriting in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Canada Life.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Canada Life. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canada Life
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Canada Life to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Canada Life, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Canada Life's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
