AVP, Industry Practices Director, Technology

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 seeking an AVP, Industry Practices Director, Technology to drive business growth, foster strong broker relationships, support complex referrals, and provide thought leadership across the dynamic Canadian technology sector. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in technology consultants’ risk, including E&O, Cyber, and Financial Lines (such as D&O and Crime). Experience with underwriting Property and Casualty package is an asset. Strong leadership skills and a proven record in underwriting, successful growth, and portfolio management are essential. The AVP, Industry Practices Director, Technology is a pivotal role responsible for the strategic oversight and management of Zurich’s Middle Market Technology Vertical portfolio.

This is a unique opportunity to grow 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 using technology market insights.
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring strategic initiatives to life.
Portfolio Management
•    Manage the portfolio, including E&O, Cyber, Financial Lines, and Property & Casualty package products in alignment with Zurich’s business strategy and appetite.
•    Monitor portfolio performance, identify emerging trends, and implement strategies to optimize growth and profitability across Canada.
•    Conduct regular portfolio reviews to ensure high-quality, forward-thinking underwriting practices.
Broker Relationships
•    Build and maintain strong, productive broker relationships and key stakeholder connections.
•    Collaborate with brokers to develop tailored solutions that deliver a compelling value proposition for Canadian middle market technology customers.
Underwriting Expertise
•    Provide expert guidance and support on complex referrals, leveraging deep industry and coverage knowledge.
•    Work closely with regional underwriting teams to support learning & development, underwriting excellence, and efficient handling of complex risks.
•    Facilitate effective communication and coordination between brokers, underwriters, and stakeholders.
•    Assess product wording and provide recommendations for enhancements that address evolving technology risks.
Thought Leadership
•    Act as a thought leader with a pulse on market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks in the technology sector.
•    Develop and deliver technology-focused content, including white papers, articles, and presentations.
•    Represent Zurich at industry conferences, seminars, and events, showcasing expertise and fostering industry connections.
Technical Leadership and Development
•    Mentor and develop a high-performing team of technology package underwriting professionals across Canada, alongside regional underwriting managers.
•    Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that encourages continuous learning and development.
•    Support growth objectives and portfolio performance through technical expertise, vertical strategy, and market influence.

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

Required:
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area

Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree in business, insurance or related field.
• A minimum of 6-8 years of experience in the technology insurance industry, with a background in portfolio management and broker relationships
AND 
• Ability to inspire, influence and motivate teams.
• Deep understanding of the professional liability and cyber underwriting and the technology insurance 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.

Compensation for roles at Zurich varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. The salary range provided is a nationwide market range and has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location where the position may be filled. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable range of compensation for roles. Compensation may exceed the range listed based on the evaluation of skillset and experience.  The starting salary range for this position is $119,000 to $196,000.

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.