About Portage Mutual: Where Your Talent Makes a Difference

Imagine a workplace where your contributions are not only valued but also directly impact the lives of Canadians. At Portage Mutual Insurance, we’re more than just a trusted national property and casualty insurer—we’re a community of passionate individuals dedicated to serving our policyholders since 1884. Owned by our policyholders, we proudly offer competitive home, auto, commercial, and farm insurance products 100% through our broker network across Canada. Join a company rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and powered by a people-first culture.

Why Portage Mutual?

At Portage Mutual, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. Here, you’ll find:

• Total Rewards: We care about your well-being and financial security. That’s why we offer a competitive salary, incentive plan, comprehensive health benefits, a pension plan and generous paid time off, including personal days.
• Career Growth & Development: Propel your career forward with access to diverse learning resources, tuition reimbursement for relevant programs, and bonuses recognizing your achievements in pursuing insurance designations.
• Flexibility: We support work-life integration by offering a flexible environment where you can choose to live wherever you prefer in Canada. Enjoy the freedom to select remote, in-office, and hybrid work arrangements that best suit your lifestyle.
• Inclusivity and Belonging: Be a part of a supportive and diverse team that embraces your unique perspective and empowers you to succeed. We’re dedicated to creating a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, valued and respected.
• Making a Difference: Find purpose in your career by aligning with an organization that shares your values and is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve.

The Opportunity: Intermediate Underwriter (Bedford, NS)

As an Intermediate Underwriter, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting our underwriting team by:

• Evaluating and underwriting moderately complex, high-value property and casualty insurance risks in line with company guidelines and risk appetite.
• Conducting strategic risk assessments and leveraging market research to inform underwriting decisions.
• Building and maintain strong relationships with brokers and internal stakeholders to support business development.
• Mentoring junior underwriters and providing expert guidance to support team capability and consistency.
• Representing the company at industry events and ensuring underwriting practices stay aligned with evolving regulations and market trends.

We're looking for a detail-oriented, enthusiastic team player who embodies our company values and is committed to providing top-notch service.

What You’ll Do:

• Evaluate and underwrite new and existing business, renewals and endorsements, focusing on moderately complex and high-value property and casualty insurance risks.
• Uphold the quality and profitability of the program’s portfolio by adhering to underwriting standards and referring risks beyond delegated authority to supervisory levels.
• Work in partnership with other departments to identify key trends and provide strategic recommendations. Aim to achieve positive outcomes for clients, brokers, and the company.
• Demonstrate our commitment to effective risk management by following up on outstanding recommendations and ensuring their implementation.
• Analyze large loss events, provide detailed reports, and discuss remediation strategies to mitigate future risks.
• Engage in market research to identify emerging trends, enabling the development of innovative product offerings.
• Identify potential issues in loss ratios and risk trends. Implement effective strategies to address anomalies and ensure portfolio stability.
• Guide and support junior underwriters, enhancing their technical expertise and decision-making capabilities.
• Effectively communicate and clarify underwriting business rules and guidelines to brokers, ensuring a shared understanding and adherence to established standards.
• Address inquiries and provide prompt, clear responses to brokers through both verbal and written channels, facilitating effective and efficient communication.
• Deliver a superior broker experience characterized by confidence, responsibility, and professionalism, reinforcing the company's reputation for excellence in the industry.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging developments, and regulatory changes to ensure underwriting practices remain compliant and competitive.
• Act as a subject matter expert, representing the company at industry events, forums, and conferences to enhance the company's reputation and deepen industry engagement.

What You’ll Bring:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive underwriting experience within property and casualty insurance sectors.
• Strong understanding of risk analysis, pricing strategies, and product development across key segments such as property and casualty insurance.
• In-depth knowledge of risk selection methodologies, insurance contracts, rating models, and sources of risk information.
• Working knowledge of related areas including claims, risk management, and accounting to enhance underwriting decisions.
• Deep familiarity with underwriting philosophies, statutory constraints, technical manuals, and rating programs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant underwriting systems (e.g., Guidewire), with the ability to adapt to new technologies.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain professional, long-term relationships with brokers and internal partners.
• Skilled at working with internal teams and brokers to deliver excellent service and optimal underwriting outcomes.
• Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities with brokers.
• Attentive listener with the ability to respond to broker needs clearly and professionally.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience in training, mentoring, and guiding team members.
• Strong analytical capabilities, with a proven track record of assessing and managing risks effectively.
• Successful history of developing and implementing impactful underwriting strategies.
• Consistently applies accuracy, thoroughness, and meticulousness in all aspects of work.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within a team environment.
• Open to change, with a focus on continuous improvement and personal development.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CIP designation completed, actively in progress, or willing to work towards.

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is:

Canada – Nova Scotia (Bedford - Hybrid): $64,000 - $80,000 CAD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role and level. The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

Portage Mutual uses artificial intelligence and automations in its recruitment practices for activities that may include searching for qualified candidates, screening applications, preparing interview questions, recording interviews, drafting transcripts and other administrative tasks. AI is never used for decision making purposes.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re seeking a rewarding career with a company that values its employees and is committed to making a difference, we invite you to apply! If you have the qualifications we are seeking and would thrive in a work environment where you are valued and respected, please apply!

Portage Mutual Insurance is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities during all phases of the recruiting process, including the application process. If you require accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to meet your needs. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation, please advise the HR representative who will consult with you to determine an appropriate accommodation.

Please submit your resume and cover letter!

We thank you for your interest in Portage Mutual Insurance, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. (No agencies please).