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Technical Director, Auto

127072

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.

If you have experience in technical underwriting within the Commercial Auto line of business and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a Vice President, Auto Technical Director. Reporting to the Chief Underwriting Officer, you will provide expert technical underwriting guidance to Auto Business Unit Leaders and Underwriters. You will be one of the key point of contact with provincial auto regulators. You will act independently with minimal direction as a subject matter expert in support of the achievement of business plans, underwriting strategy, and proposition development for the Commercial Auto portfolio.

This is a unique opportunity to use your knowledge and experience as well as continue to build for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters.

This is a hybrid position out of our Toronto or Montreal office.

What you will do

• Proactively monitor underwriting strategy for Commercial Auto in relation to performance metrics, data insights, audit findings, and adjust the strategy as necessary.
• Operate within Zurich’s Risk Policy, Global Underwriting Policy, and governance framework—translating these into practical underwriting guidelines and best practices.
• Lead initiatives that shape technical underwriting standards, pricing adequacy models, risk selection criteria, and claims insights related to Auto lines.
• Handle complex auto underwriting referrals within delegated authority.
• Partner with local and global teams to align underwriting execution with strategy.
• Provide technical mentorship to Underwriters and support development through training and best practice sharing.
• Guide terms and conditions, as well as rate adequacy across the Auto portfolio.
• Lead or participate in underwriting reviews, identifying trends and corrective actions to ensure long-term profitability.
• Play a key role in the development and execution of Auto line underwriting strategy, including portfolio segmentation and growth planning.
• Support innovation in underwriting tools and methods for commercial vehicles, fleets, and specialized Auto risks (e.g., heavy commercial, transportation, logistics).
• Analyze the impact of emerging vehicle technology (e.g., telematics, ADAS) on risk and pricing.
• Contribute to governance, ensuring effective controls are in place and aligned with regulatory and internal compliance standards.
• Participate in cross-functional projects impacting pricing, data analytics, regulatory response, and underwriting transformation.
• Address emerging market, legal, or regulatory issues specific to Auto and provide direction on risk appetite accordingly.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and ongoing enhancement of underwriting capability in Auto.

What you bring to the table:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 10 or more years of experience in commercial underwriting, preferably with a focus on Commercial Auto or Fleet Auto insurance

Preferred:

• FCIP, CIP, or equivalent designation
• Deep understanding of the Canadian Auto regulatory environment and its commercial implications
• Strong technical knowledge of pricing, reserving, loss cost models, and exposure analysis specific to Auto, including US auto, trucking, non-owned autos and complex structures including captives.
• Ability to communicate complex underwriting concepts effectively with internal stakeholders and brokers
• Experience supporting underwriting transformation or innovation initiatives (e.g., telematics, digital underwriting)

Fluency in both spoken and written English is required to facilitate communication with internal and external stakeholders outside Quebec.

Our Culture

• At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging (DEIB). 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.
• We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. Your input is essential, and we provide the tools to help you make a meaningful impact.
• We offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan, a competitive total compensation package, and a minimum of four weeks vacation per year.
• Zurich employees also receive four personal days per year for appointments, religious or cultural observances, or mental health needs.
• We are committed to continuous learning and offer a wide range of training and development opportunities.
• We invest in our communities through volunteering, charitable giving, and sustainability initiatives.
• We are proud to be recognized among Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award.