Experience Aviva
Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.
At
Aviva Canada, we put people first, our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most.
The Opportunity
The VP, Small Business Operations leads Aviva’s Small Business underwriting organization, driving profitable growth, underwriting excellence, and a market‑leading digital and broker experience. This role sets strategic direction, builds underwriting capability, and strengthens Aviva’s competitive position in the small business insurance market.
You will lead a national underwriting team, influence strategy, and own the development of an efficient, scalable operating model that delivers outstanding customer and broker outcomes. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for optimizing small business underwriting and digital journeys.
What you’ll do
- Lead the Small Business underwriting organization with full accountability for portfolio performance and growth.
- Shape and deliver the Small Business operating model, enabling scale, efficiency, and digital innovation.
- Drive customer strategy, elevating satisfaction, service performance, and overall customer outcomes.
- Develop and elevate underwriting expertise and leadership capability across the business unit.
- Manage the business unit operating expense budget with strong financial discipline.
- Lead broker engagement nationally, strengthening relationships and driving trading performance.
- Oversee governance, risk, and compliance in alignment with Aviva’s standards.
- Champion and lead national initiatives, including system enhancements, portfolio transitions, and vendor selections.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional partners to enhance efficiency, automation, and digital underwriting journeys.
What you’ll bring
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, or related field.
- 10+ years of underwriting experience with leadership responsibility.
- Strong Commercial Lines product and underwriting expertise.
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop teams.
- Demonstrated ability to lead change and operate effectively in complex environments.
- Strong broker relationship management and strategic account management skills.
- A broad network of relationships with key Canadian brokerages.
- Excellent communication skills and comfort engaging diverse stakeholders.
- Solid understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, and trading solutions.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and portfolio management.
- Knowledge of insurance legislation, governance, and risk frameworks.
- Effective problem‑solving and conflict management capabilities.
- High level of IT literacy; experience with systems thinking is an asset.
- Professional insurance designations (CIP, FCIP, CRM) preferred.
What makes you stand out
- Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.
Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is a new position which has been posted internally & externally.
Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.
