The Manager, Underwriting Performance & Oversight is responsible for developing and maintaining Markel Canada’s underwriting authority and product governance frameworks. This includes managing the Service Company Agreement (SCA) renewal, supporting compliance activities, granting and reviewing underwriting authorities, overseeing audit and compliance reporting, and driving continuous process improvement—especially through automation and data-driven decision-making.
The role also involves delivering key performance indicator (KPI) reports, managing product governance from inception to end-of-life, coordinating underwriting initiatives, and curating policy wordings and collaboration tools. As a member of key governance committees, the manager ensures effective communication and compliance across the organization.
Additionally, the manager supports underwriting leadership in developing performance monitoring frameworks, business planning, and quarterly reviews, ensuring alignment with global standards and the collection of technical KPIs.
Company Overview:
Markel Corporation (NYSE – MKL), a fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory and investment operations around the world.
At Markel, we believe that what we do really matters. And that every one of us has the power to make a difference. To us, insurance is more than a piece of paper. It’s a promise to help people get back on their feet. It’s a commitment that gives people the courage to take chances. And in uncertain times, it’s the fuel that moves the world forward.
Since the very start, we’ve used our ingenuity to insure risks that others can’t, finding smart solutions to complex problems so people can live their lives and seize opportunities.
Our style is about focusing on people’s needs, not just words on a page. It’s about building relationships and connecting as humans. And ultimately, it’s about being there for people when they need us most.
In our eyes, our journey is just beginning. Together, we’re building a business that supports more people, in more places. But unlike our peers, we’ll never lose our people-first focus as we grow. Because you will always be what makes Markel special. And what continues to power this business forward.
Find out more by visiting our websites:
www.markel.ca
www.markel.com
Job Summary:
We have an excellent opportunity within Markel Canada’s Underwriting leadership team. We are looking for a dynamic leader to drive the continuous improvement and effectiveness of Markel Canada’s underwriting function. As the Manager, Underwriting Performance and Oversight, you will develop and facilitate the means and methods for an effective underwriting framework, including portfolio performance management, and the governance and oversight of Markel Canada’s underwriting products, processes, and best practices.
Reporting into the Senior Vice President of Underwriting, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work within Markel Canada’s Senior Leadership Team, and with International leadership teams including the OCUO (Office of the Chief Underwriting Officer) and Compliance.
If you are a leader who thrives in a focused and creative environment and excels at finding better ways to do things, this is your opportunity to make a difference.
Department Overview:
This is an opportunity to join a growing and ambitious business, in a high impact and visible role, at a pivotal time in our journey. You will play a crucial role in developing and delivering an effective underwriting framework that will support significant growth and profitability for Markel Canada.
Working closely with the Markel Canada leadership team, you will join a values-driven culture with integrity and accountability at its core with significant onward career opportunities.
The role will also interact frequently with the Field, Claims, Actuarial, Data and Analytics, Operations, the International OCUO (Office of the Chief Underwriting Officer), and other UK-based colleagues as well as occasionally with US-based colleagues.
What we ask of you:
Underwriting Oversight
- Responsible for Markel Canada’s Underwriting Authority framework including timely and consistent completion of:
- Manage the Service Company Agreement (SCA) renewal process, and support compliance related activities for Markel’s Canadian Branch.
- Granting and promoting underwriters’ authorities as authorized by Product Line Leaders
- Annual underwriting authority review and attestation process
- Monthly exception and breach reporting, and peer review processes
- Manage internal and external audit processes
- Compliance reporting and related records management
- Drive continuous improvement of oversight processes including automation, where applicable
- Be an advocate for the use of data to support decision making
- Deliver monthly, quarterly, annual Key Performance Indicators related to reporting requirements to Underwriting and Field Leadership
Governance
- Responsible for Markel Canada’s Product Governance framework and working closely with Compliance department including:
- Markel’s product governance process from inception to end of life including processes, tools, and products.
- Active management of compliance structure and systemic approach to managing and governing products
- Management and coordination of Underwriting Initiatives Framework and Impact Assessment workflow
- Custodian of policy wording library, translation process including liaising with Canada and International Technical team (wordings)
- Drive continuous improvement of oversight processes including automation, where applicable
- Member of Delegated Operations Committee and Conduct Oversight Group
- Curator of Markel Canada’s Underwriting Microsoft collaboration tools foundational to efficient, effective, and consistent national communication
Underwriting Performance
- Support Underwriting leadership in developing an effective underwriting performance monitoring framework:
- Work with underwriting leadership and VP Portfolio Analytics to develop a performance monitoring framework that supports profitable growth.
- Support the SVP Underwriting and the President, Canada to conduct Quarterly Business Reviews, including the recording and monitoring of Action Items.
- Support the annual business planning process with a consistent framework for developing and communicating underwriting strategy.
- Ensure technical underwriting KPIs are being collected and monitored in accordance with OCUO Standards.
- Liaise with the Head of Underwriting Performance in the OCUO International to maintain effective alignment and adherence to global standards.
What you will bring to the role:
- Strong understanding of insurance underwriting operations and governance.
- Skilled in stakeholder management, ability to influence at all levels and build credibility with senior leadership.
- Effective communication skills – clear, succinct, and prescriptive in all aspects of evaluations and reports.
- Strong analytical, reporting, and documentation skills—able to produce high-quality review outputs and formal reports.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, and enthusiasm for early adoption of new IT systems and tools.
- Ability to detail and convey sophisticated concepts in a clear and concise manner to non-technical teams, but capable to speak to a technical audience if required
- Proven ability to plan, structure, and run governance group meetings and working committees.
- Bilingualism and Financial Industry experience would be considered an asset
- Business Analyst, Project Management credentials would be considered an asset
You are:
- A Self-starter – You have experience in paving the way, discovering, and defining structure in seemingly ambiguous situations. You don’t like sitting around waiting for things to happen and take initiative to discover the answer.
- A Diplomatic Analytical and Creative problem solver – Accurately completing tasks with close attention to all aspects of work and carefully controlling for errors.
- A Reliable Teammate – You have a willingness to take ownership and accountability for features or components of larger initiatives. You are flexible with responsibilities and will help the team where assistance is needed.
- Comfortable working and leading both technical and non-technical teams.
- A Professional – Maintain a high standard of integrity at all times and excellent at building and maintaining relationships with colleagues and team members.
- Time Management – Ability to manage time amidst competing priorities and complex tasks.
If you’re ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you!
Who we are:
Markel Group (NYSE – MKL) a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory and investment operations around the world.
We’re all about people | We win together | We strive for better | We enjoy the everyday | We think further
What’s in it for you:
A great starting salary plus annual bonus potential & strong benefits package
20 vacation days plus additional floater days per year
Fantastic company RRSP, extended health and dental coverage, life insurance, travel insurance, vision care and wellness initiatives
There are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career and we can provide the support needed to do just that!
Are you ready to play your part?
Choose ‘Apply Now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.
Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer, which means you'll have a positive experience applying for a role at Markel and are able to perform at your best. If there are any adjustments we can reasonably make to ensure that the process is accessible for you at every stage please let us know.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us to request any accommodations that may be needed.
Markel Brand Values
We’re all about people:
- Empowering them, supporting them and helping protect what matters most to them.
- We put people first, and stay true to our word, because we believe in the power of relationships and doing what’s right.
We win together:
- We work as a team, exchanging ideas, supporting each other and respecting everyone’s opinion.
- Because together we know we can achieve great things.
We strive for better:
- We aspire to lead and win in all that we do.
- Aiming for excellence, and finding a better way of doing things, is up to us all.
We enjoy the everyday:
- We are dedicated to our work, but we always keep a sense of humor and leave our egos at the door.
We think further:
- We are committed to building a legacy and making decisions that leave a lasting impact on our customers, partners, employees and communities.
#LI-Hybride
#LI-Hybrid
