AVP, Industry Practices Director, Construction

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.  
  
Zurich Canada is currently looking for a AVP, Industry Practices Director, Construction to drive business growth, foster and maintain strong broker relationships, support complex referrals, and provide thought leadership within the construction industry. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the Canadian construction market, possess strong leadership skills, with a proven track record in underwriting results, successful growth and portfolio management.

The AVP, Industry Practices Director, Construction is a pivotal role responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the construction industry portfolio.
 
This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters.  
 
This is a hybrid work opportunity. 

What you will do

Strategic Planning and Execution   

• Develop and execute strategic plans to drive growth and profitability.
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, leveraging market insights.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives.

Portfolio Management

• Manage the mid-market construction industry portfolio (incl property & casualty product lines), in alignment with business strategy and appetite.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and implement strategies to optimize growth and profitability, across the national portfolio
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews to ensure high-quality underwriting practices.

Broker Relationships

• Build and maintain strong, productive broker relationships and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with brokers to develop tailored solutions for robust value proposition that meets the unique needs of middle market construction customers

Underwriting Expertise

• Provide expert guidance and support on complex referrals, leveraging industry knowledge and experience.
• Work collaboratively with regional underwriting teams to support learning & development, underwriting excellence and efficient handling of complex referrals.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between brokers, underwriters, and key stakeholders.
• Assess product wording and provide recommendations for enhancements. 

Thought Leadership

• Act as a thought leader with knowledge of current market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks within the construction industry.
• Develop and deliver construction content, including white papers, articles, and presentations as required.
• Attend industry conferences, seminars, and other events, showcasing expertise and fostering industry connections.

Technical Leadership and Development 

• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of construction underwriting professionals (across Canada), alongside regional underwriting managers.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, promoting continuous learning and development.
• Support growth objectives and portfolio performance through technical expertise, industry vertical strategy and market influence.

What you bring to the table

Required Qualifications:

•    Bachelor's degree in business, insurance or related field.
•    A minimum of 6-8 years of experience in the construction insurance industry, with a background in portfolio management and broker relationships
 
AND 

•    Ability to inspire, influence and motivate teams.
•    Deep understanding of the construction underwriting and the construction market, including trends, challenges, and opportunities.
•    Strong collaboration, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset.
•    Ability to travel as needed to meet with brokers, customers, and attend industry events.

Our Culture

 
•    At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. 
 
•    We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.  
 
•    We care about our employees’ well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package. 
 
•    We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that. 
 
•    We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.  
 
•    We are committed to continuous improvement, and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.  
 
•    We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources. 
 
•    We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.    
 
Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.  
 

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 500 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.