Advanced Markets Underwriting Director

Job Description

At Equitable, we believe work should be a place where you feel supported, inspired, and empowered to grow. In our caring and collaborative environment, your curiosity is encouraged, your passion is recognized, and your contributions truly matter. Together, we create meaningful impact, for our clients, our communities, and each other.

The Opportunity:
At Equitable, we believe great things happen when we work together. We're a Canadian mutual company driven by purpose - putting people first and helping Canadians protect today and prepare for tomorrow. If you're passionate about making a difference and growing your career in an inclusive and collaborative environment, we'd love to hear from you. Our culture is built on care, passion and curiosity. We put people above all else, strive to be our best and welcome new ideas to deliver positive outcomes.

In this role, you will take case-level ownership of Advanced Markets files up to $200M, holistically assessing complex insurance structures, medical information, and financial scenarios to determine appropriate risk classifications. You will also serve as a mentor and informal leader within the Underwriting team, sharing expertise on advanced market cases and supporting the development and succession of critical technical knowledge. This position requires exceptional communication and case‑management skills, balancing a strong client‑focused approach with sound, risk‑appropriate underwriting decisions that maintain Equitable's competitive position in the market.

Join one of the region's top employers and be part of something that truly makes a difference.

Work Arrangements:
You will work from your home office 100% of the time. You may be required to be in-person at our office in Waterloo, ON or another assigned location within the Waterloo Region, on an as needed basis. Sales related roles may be required to travel based on the assignment.

What you'll do:

• Lead the Advanced Markets Underwriting team, overseeing complex UHNW and Large Case underwriting that involves legal, medical, and financial analysis.
• Deliver a high‑touch, concierge‑level experience while ensuring underwriting decisions align with Equitable's pricing and risk philosophy.
• Recruit, coach, and develop a high‑performing team of underwriting professionals, fostering technical strength, critical thinking, and strong relationship skills.
• Partner closely with Distribution, Advisors, Pricing, Operations, Legal & Compliance, and Risk Management to provide client‑focused underwriting solutions and maintain alignment with underwriting philosophy.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Advisor and Distribution partners, including delivering presentations, consultations, and pre‑sale underwriting opinions.
• Strengthen and nurture relationships with Reinsurance partners to support competitive and timely underwriting outcomes.
• Identify and surface emerging underwriting and market trends, collaborating with senior leadership to ensure alignment across Underwriting, Pricing, and Distribution.
• Promote a positive team culture by facilitating goal‑setting, clear communication, and continuous knowledge sharing across internal partners.
• Ensure exceptional service delivery that meets the expectations of high‑profile clients, external partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Represent Advanced Markets within the organization by highlighting business needs, influencing decision‑making, and supporting the continued evolution of Equitable's offering.

What you'll bring:

• 15+ years as professional underwriter, with 5 years of proven leadership
• Deeply understands the market, has awareness of trends and emerging risks, and leads the team to deliver a client-first solution in a fast-paced and complex environment, while maintaining profitable mortality & morbidity experience
• Expertise in compliance, claims, rescission, fraud, and legal implications associated with underwriting
• Expert knowledge in all aspects of risk assessment: medical, non-medical, foreign travel, financial underwriting principals
• Expert knowledge of retention management and the reinsurance marketplace
• Proven leadership and or mentorship experience in developing underwriters, especially in the Advanced Markets space.
• Exceptional analytical, judgement and problem-solving skills
• A sense of urgency, curiosity with a client-first mindset
• Collaborative to forge partnerships with Advisor and Distribution teams, and internal Equitable teams
• Leads team to drive toward client-focused outcomes with an ability to identify and appropriately mitigate risks in a multi-market/segment business
• Has an entrepreneurial spirit and possesses strong communication skills with confidence to engage with internal and external partners
• Self-sufficient and resourceful leader who demonstrates flexibility and efficient time management skills
• Strong presentation and influencing skills with the ability to represent our underwriting expertise and build trusted relationships
• Mentor, develop, and inspire less experienced underwriters, ensuring continuity of expertise and readiness of future talent
• Thrives in a rapidly changing environment, ability to pivot quickly and expertly, results focused in promoting continuous improvements
• Ability to navigate well across a cross-functional business
• FLMI / FALU designation or currently working towards
• College or University degree or equivalent experience

What's in it for you:

• Career Growth: Regular learning sessions and development opportunities
• Total Rewards: Incentive pay, annual salary reviews, employer-paid benefits and pension matching
• Time Away: Competitive vacation plus one paid volunteer day each year
• Flexibility: Healthy work-life balance with employee wellness always top of mind, complemented by a "dress for your day" approach

At Equitable, we're committed to fair pay and an inclusive, accessible hiring experience. If you need accommodations or alternative formats at any stage, just reach out to us at We're happy to help.

Your base pay will be based on your skills, qualifications, experience and education. In addition to your salary, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award tied to business performance, plus a wide range of competitive benefits.

If you're selected to move forward, our Talent Acquisition team will walk you through all the details of our total rewards program, so you know exactly what's included.

Reports To:
Underwriting and Claims Vice President

Department:
Individual Insurance

Term:
Permanent Full-Time

This position is open and we are excited to find the right person to join our team.

As part of the recruitment process, you will need to go through background screening, as per our company policy.