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.