Bilingual Senior Life Underwriter

Bilingual Senior Life Underwriter
Location: Any Canadian Location, CA

The total target compensation (TTC) range, including salary and target bonus, is $79,200 - $126,500. This TTC range is applicable to permanent roles only; fixed-term contract and casual roles are not eligible for annual bonus and would receive only the base salary component.

Empire Life is looking to hire a Senior Bilingual Underwriter to join our Retail Underwriting team! We are actively seeking candidates to fill a current, open position. We are looking for team members who have strong leadership, technical and medical knowledge and skills. By joining the Empire Life today, you'll be exposed to growth and career development opportunities. The Senior Life Underwriter maintains Company profitability through favourable mortality by reviewing and assessing the financial risk of individual life insurance applications. The incumbent is guided by defined goals and objectives and works under the general supervision of the Manager, Underwriting.

Why pursue this opportunity
  • Join a transforming business - we are a medium-sized Canadian company in a stable industry which is rapidly transforming.
  • The environment - we understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to provide a supportive work environment that allows our employees to achieve both personal and professional goals.
  • Play an integral role - this is an opportunity that allows for you to grow your skills, while directly contributing to the business unit you are a part of.

What you’ll be working on
  • Assesses risk accurately to an approval limit of $2,000,000 - $3,000,000 for individual life and $1,000,000 for critical illness policies
  • Provides sound risk decisions and related support to the Sales & Marketing and Retail business line teams
  • Assesses the mortality and financial risk for individual life insurance applications through an analysis of financial and medical information
  • Provides support to the Sales team in the management of the distribution relationship
  • Interacts with reinsurance providers to spread risks on retention amounts that exceed the Empire Life retention limit
  • Consults with Senior Underwriters, medical Directors, or the Underwriting Manager, on any questionable situations
  • Participates as an active team member and leads assigned projects
  • Coaches junior and intermediate underwriters from a technical lens to ensure that individual coverage decisions are appropriate, made in a timely manner, and communicated to the appropriate team members

What we’re looking for you to have

  • Bilingualism (English/French) is required
  • 4+ years work experience in individual underwriting, three of which has been at an intermediate level
  • Experience coaching/mentoring others
  • Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, internet and database computer software
  • Comprehensive knowledge of medical and financial terminology
  • Well-developed analytical and problem resolution skills
  • Ability to be decisive and show consistently good judgment
  • Well-developed coaching and mentoring skills
  • Well-developed organizational skills
  • Clear writing and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work within and apply decision methodologies
  • Completion of a university degree in life sciences, nursing or kinesiology
  • FLMI with underwriting specialty considered an asset
  • Working towards FALU considered an asset
  • If you are applying for a position which is open to applicants across Canada, unless otherwise indicated in the position, language proficiency in English is required for communicating with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada.
  • Our hiring process includes AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications. Recruiters review all results.

It would be nice for you to have

  • Knowledge of individual life and health underwriting and advanced financial underwriting are assets

Beyond the salary

For regular full-time positions, Empire Life offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:
  • Competitive salaries with annual pay increases
  • Annual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions
  • Competitive uncapped commission for sales positions
  • A comprehensive employer-funded benefits package that includes life insurance, disability, health and dental and a generous health account
  • Flexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days.
  • Four weeks annual vacation from hire date
  • A defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matching
  • Top up programs for parental leave and compassionate leave
  • Employer-sponsored wellness and recognition programs
  • A cash employee referral program

To learn more about working at Empire Life, visit

Get to know us

Empire life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and welcome everyone to participate in our application process. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't believe you meet each unique qualification outlined. Applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

Empire Life welcomes applications from people with disabilities and disabled people. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the screening and selection process. If you need this job posting in an alternative format or have any accessibility questions, please contact recruitment@empire.ca

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