Underwriting Specialist

Agricorp is looking for an Underwriting Specialist to join the Underwriting and Account Services, Customer Commitment team in the Program Delivery division.

The Role

The Underwriting Specialist is a senior technical expert who will assess and evaluate risks of complex files and determine the extent of contractual coverage, conditions and exceptions. You will provide subject matter expertise to Agricorp and the Underwriting team. This position reports to the Team Leader, Underwriting Services. In this role you will:

• Review and assess complex files to ensure adherence to SOPs and quality assurance standards and audit requirements
• Act as a subject matter expert to provide support and guidance to the Underwriting Services team when dealing with complex or escalated client files
• Create or open client files, assessing application/eligibility for enrolment in Agricorp programs, sourcing incomplete data, researching and investigating discrepancies or missing data and aligning information to underwriting criteria
• Create and maintain relationships with clients, agencies, producers and liaise with Claims Services, Accounts, Quality, Customer Care and the field staff
• Identify gaps in the underwriting processing, compiling reports on team irregularities and providing recommendations for improvement and change to the Team Leader
• Act as a functional technical trainer, for other Underwriters and subject matter experts from other departments, and contribute to training materials
• Act as a coach and mentor to other underwriting staff
• Assist in recruitment of underwriting staff when requested
• Participate in team goal setting and in communicating strategic directions and goals

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field (i.e. mathematics, finance, commerce, business or agricultural sciences) or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 7 years of related underwriting experience, preferably in the financial services sector or the agricultural industry
• Working knowledge of related federal and provincial agreements and legislation an asset (PIPEDA, FOI, marketing boards)
• Proven experience in coaching, mentoring or training others
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse groups including clients, agencies, producers and other professionals
• Training courses in risk management or underwriting an asset
• CIP or FIIC designation an asset

Key Competencies

• Analytical Thinking – Interprets, links and analyses information and situations by breaking them down into component parts, and identifying patterns, connections and underlying issues
• Achieving Quality Results - Focuses efforts on managing one’s self to achieve high quality results consistent with the organization’s standards and measures, while managing risk
• Program Knowledge – Knows and understands the programs and services provided by Agricorp
• Client Focus – Provides service excellence to internal and external clients
• Critical Judgment, Decision Making and Problem Solving – Uses critical judgment to make decisions and solve problems involving varied levels of complexity, ambiguity and risk
• Planning and Organizing – Develops, implements, evaluates, and adjusts plans to reach goals while ensuring the optimal use of resources

Background

As an agency of the Government of Ontario, Agricorp works with partners to contribute to a vibrant and sustainable agriculture industry. With more than 400 employees serving more than 47,000 producers province-wide, Agricorp delivers programs that help producers manage risk and remain financially secure. The agency was established in 1997 by the provincial government under the authority of the AgriCorp Act, 1996.

Agricorp delivers a variety of programs and payments on behalf of the federal and provincial governments, including AgriStability, Farm Business Registration and Production Insurance. Please see the full list of programs for more information.

To apply for this position, please send your resume (with the job title in subject heading) and cover letter to: Human Resources Division, Agricorp, 1 Stone Road West Box 3660, Stn. Central, Guelph ON N1H 8M4. Fax: 519-826-4680. Email: careers@agricorp.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted directly.