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.

The Head of Contract Surety is a market-facing leader responsible for developing and implementing the underwriting policies, processes, guidelines and authorities of Contract Surety on a national basis worth $100M GWP This role will lead a team of Surety branch leaders and associated underwriting teams to deliver on strategy, ensuring consistency in underwriting service while balancing quality decision making and profitability. This role will work collaboratively with Surety leaders and CTU to find the right solutions for our customers and brokers.

Come join our team!

What you'll do:

Develop and implement in collaboration with the Surety branch leaders to grow underwriting profit and be a commercial market leader in contract surety

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of overall line of business performance through analysis of reports while regularly taking strategic actions and finding opportunity to increase positive results

Develop and manage through Surety branch leaders appropriate workflows and accomplishment of underwriting and service standards

Monitor competitive landscape, optimizing risk selection and growing competitive position

Work proactively with broker partners to strengthen relationships and ensure business plans are met

Perform ongoing talent management including hiring, mentoring, training and development, performance management, reward and recognition

Develop ongoing opportunities to re-engineer and embed new process, technology and new ways of working to achieve desired results

Change leadership – lead by example, adopt and advocate change

Work alongside Surety team members to ensure administration of risks/policies is accurate and timely.

Ensure contract surety adheres to Aviva’s Risk & Control Framework.

Presentation of u/w decisions outside of delegated authority to Head of Surety and reinsurers.

What you'll bring:

University Degree in business, finance or other related field or equivalent experience

Broad knowledge of business, development, construction, finance and risk management.

10+ years of experience working with financial statements, preferably for public and large private companies.

Proven track record of success leading a contract surety team

Strong leadership and people management skills to motivate, develop and manage performance for results

Ability to build trust with and credibility with both internal and external collaborators.

Strategic thinking

Strong data proficiency and ability to use data to drive decision making

Strong business and financial competence

Excellent understanding of the dynamics of the insurance marketplace and the ability to utilize this knowledge to improve relationships with customers, and respond to known and anticipated trends

Strong communication skills both verbal and written

Strong ability to multi-task and deal with conflicting priorities

Negotiation/persuasion skills

Understanding of business, underwriting and corporate risk management and mitigation methods

High willingness to share knowledge

Passion and enthusiasm for the surety line of business

Ambitious, driven and self-motivated

What you’ll get:

Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.

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

Hybrid flexible work model

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is a new position which has been posted both internally & 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.

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