Underwriting Specialist, Commercial Lines

Toronto, ON
Hybrid
Posted Oct 9, 2026
1 position

$104,717–$154,700 / year

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Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Lead · 10+ years
Minimum education: Professional degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Office presence: 2 days per week

Job summary

Manage and grow a profitable commercial insurance portfolio while maintaining strong relationships with broker partners. Provide expert underwriting guidance, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the achievement of corporate profitability and growth objectives.

Job details

Company: Sovereign Insurance Department: Central Commercial UW Employment Type: Regular Full-Time Work Model: Hybrid (2 days in office) Language: This role operates in English. THE OPPORTUNITY: At Sovereign Insurance, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Co-operators General Insurance Company, we believe leadership is shaped by purpose, collaboration, and meaningful contribution. When you grow, we grow — your success crowns ours. We value diverse perspectives, bold ideas, and people who lift others up. Here, your initiative matters, and your efforts help build the resilience of the Canadian businesses and communities we serve. That shared commitment strengthens our culture and moves us forward — together. That’s the Crown Effect. Let’s make it reign. The Sovereign General Insurance Company is looking for a dynamic individual to join our Commercial Underwriting Team. The successful candidate will be adept at analyzing risks and providing creative solutions to brokers. The ideal candidates will have the ability to influence and inspire others through their enthusiasm and provide exceptional customer service to our broker force. HOW YOU WILL CREATE IMPACT : * Managing and growing a profitable portfolio, with accountability for new business, renewal retention and endorsements, aligned to our target appetite and growth objectives. * Maintaining and developing new relationships with partners by marketing Sovereign’s unique value proposition and capitalizing on opportunities for viable insurance solution expansion. This includes attending client meetings, delivering presentations or workshops, and engaging and connecting relevant internal stakeholders. * Negotiating coverage and rates and participating in underwriting audits. * Completing necessary documentation in support of the business you handle. * Developing and maintaining positive constructive relationships with brokers. * Promoting a team-oriented approach to meeting corporate and department goals and objectives; including written premium and profitability objectives. * Providing guidance, training and mentoring to less experienced staff. 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 will support and guide others through changing conditions and encourage the exploration of new opportunities or innovations. * You value and encourage others to have cooperative and collaborative dialogue because diverse perspectives offer more creative and productive solutions. TO JOIN OUR TEAM : * You have 10+ years of Commercial Underwriting experience with proven experience underwriting new business. * Expertise in Construction and Manufacturing underwriting. * Having Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation an asset. * You have proven experience building lasting relationships with broker partners. * Strong analytical skills with an understanding of specific metrics to support effective portfolio management analysis. * Proven project and change management skills with the ability to deliver on deadlines and adapt to changing priorities. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : * Detail oriented work that requires a high degree of mental concentration for extended periods of time. * 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? * Room to grow with confidence — build your career, contribute your ideas, and see the impact of your work. * A culture that values you — inclusive, collaborative, and respectful, where different perspectives are encouraged and heard. * Rewards that recognize you and the work you do - competitive salary and variable compensation, benefits and pension, paid time off, development and recognition programs. * Support for your well-being — a holistic approach to physical, mental, social, and financial wellness. * Pride in purpose — being part of a Canadian organization dedicated to protecting Canadian businesses and the communities they serve while giving back through volunteering, donations, and national initiatives that help build a more sustainable future. Expected salary/hourly range $104,717- $154,700+ The salary amount for the successful candidate is determined by Sovereign 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.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Requires 10+ years of commercial underwriting experience with specific expertise in construction and manufacturing sectors. Proven ability to manage portfolios, build broker relationships, and lead through change is essential.