Underwriting Specialist, Marine

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.   

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. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most.  

Aviva Canada is building its GCS Corporate Risk – Marine underwriting team and is seeking an experienced Marine Underwriting Specialist to support the growth, governance, and technical excellence of our national Marine portfolio. 

This role provides deep technical expertise in the underwriting of complex Marine risks and acts as a subject‑matter expert and technical referral point.

The Specialist partners closely with underwriting leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure disciplined risk selection, portfolio performance, and strong broker and customer outcomes. 

You will play a key role in developing market presence, supporting business growth, and contributing to underwriting strategy, while helping elevate technical capability across the team 

Please note: This role may be filled at different internal levels based on the successful candidate’s experience, technical authority, and scope of accountability. 

• Underwrite complex and non‑standard Marine new business and renewals within delegated specialist authority. 

• Assess risk across increasingly complex exposures, including cross-border, multinational, and specialized Marine segments 

• Support portfolio performance through disciplined underwriting, pricing adequacy, and informed risk selection 

• Qualify new business opportunities aligned to appetite and profitability objectives 

• Act as a senior technical referral point, providing expert guidance on risk assessment, pricing, and coverage 

• Provide subject‑matter expertise on Marine policy wordings, guidelines, and underwriting tools, including collaboration with technical teams (e.g., CTU) 

• Contribute to underwriting governance activities, including peer reviews, audits, referrals, and continuous improvement initiatives 

• Identify emerging risks, loss trends, and market developments, providing insight and recommendations 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, clients, and internal partners 

• Support and participate in broker and client meetings, including complex or strategic accounts 

• Contribute to business development activities by identifying growth opportunities and supporting new business generation 

• Represent Aviva’s Marine capability in the market and contribute to brand presence and credibility 

• Act as a technical resource and mentor, supporting knowledge sharing and capability development across the underwriting team 

• Provide guidance on complex risks and support less experienced underwriters through coaching and peer collaboration 

• Apply strong negotiation and influencing skills to achieve balanced outcomes for Aviva, brokers, and customers 

• Partner with stakeholders across Pricing, Claims, Risk, Reinsurance, and Legal 

• Contribute to strategic discussions, including portfolio mix, segment opportunities, and economic impacts 

• Role model Aviva’s Values in Action and support the delivery of strong customer outcomes 

•  Minimum 6 years of commercial underwriting experience, with strong specialization in Marine insurance. 

• Demonstrated experience underwriting complex and non‑standard Marine risks. 

• Strong knowledge of Marine policy wordings, risk exposures, underwriting tools, and market practices 

• Proven ability to apply sound technical judgment, negotiation, and influencing skills 

• Experience managing or contributing to portfolio performance and business development activities 

• Strong relationship‑building skills with brokers, clients, and internal partners 

• Analytical mindset with a disciplined approach to underwriting and governance 

• Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively across teams. 

Candidates with extensive Marine underwriting experience (10+ years), demonstrated technical leadership, and broader portfolio or strategic influence may be considered for an expanded internal scope and level of accountability 

• CIP designation  

• Advanced Marine or risk‑related designations 

• Established market relationships and industry presence 

• Experience contributing to technical standards, training, or underwriting strategy 

•  The salary band for this position ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 Please note that individual salaries are determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experience, as well as internal equity. The final compensation package will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and alignment to an appropriate internal level. 

• 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. 

• We’ll support your 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 our employees’ physical and mental health.    

 
The posted salary range reflects the full range for the Underwriter Specialist role and is intended to cover multiple experience levels. We encourage candidates with varying levels of experience to apply, as leveling will be determined based on qualifications and experience.  

Please note that we may also use AI tools to support the recruitment process. This is a new position that has been posted both internally and externally 
  
Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.