AVP, National Accounts Underwriting

Permanent Full Time 

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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. 

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Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Grow with Canada Life 

We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.  

We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you! 

What we offer:  

We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member: 

• 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.  

Learn more about Canada Life.  

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. 

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