Group Underwriter

Job summary

Underwrite group benefits requests and existing cases by screening submissions, obtaining missing information, assessing risk, and setting final rates using experience rating and other risk characteristics. Negotiate rates with account executives and advisors, handle special rate reviews, communicate decisions, and provide coverage for the Group Underwriting Assistant as needed.

Job details

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. We are looking for a Group Underwriter to join our Underwriting team! Join one of the Waterloo Area’s Top Employers for 2025 and Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers for 2024 and be part of something that matters. Work Arrangements: This is a hybrid role. You will work in our office in Waterloo, ON a minimum of two (2) assigned, consecutive days every other week, plus a fifth (5th) assigned day per month. You are welcome to work from the office more than the minimum requirement and there may be some roles that are required to work in our office more than the minimum requirement. What you’ll do: Underwrite group benefits requests and existing case business Screen group requests to request missing information, clarify specifications and assess the risk involved to select quality business Set final rates through experience rating and considering all other characteristics of the risk Negotiate final rates with Group Account Executives and Advisors Take appropriate action on requests for special rate reviews, and effectively communicate final decisions Work closely with the Group Underwriting Assistant, ensuring you have a good understanding of the assistant role and providing coverage as needed What you’ll bring: Good knowledge of group plans acquired through a minimum of 2 – 3 years of group benefits experience Deductive reasoning, problem solving ability and flexibility of decision making Good interpersonal skills Enthusiasm with an interest in working in a changing environment Good verbal and written communication skills as well as negotiation skills Good organizational and time management abilities Strong mathematical ability Interest in completing Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS examinations particularly those pertaining to Group Benefits) Bilingual in French and English, spoken and written is preferred 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 careers@equitable.ca. 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: Manager, Group Underwriting Department: Group Underwriting 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. #LI-Hybrid

What you’ll do

Underwrite group benefits requests and existing cases by screening submissions, obtaining missing information, assessing risk, and setting final rates using experience rating and other risk characteristics. Negotiate rates with account executives and advisors, handle special rate reviews, communicate decisions, and provide coverage for the Group Underwriting Assistant as needed.

Requirements

Candidates should have at least 2–3 years of group benefits experience and strong mathematical, analytical, problem-solving, communication, negotiation, organizational, and time-management abilities. Interest in completing CEBS examinations related to group benefits is noted, and spoken and written French-English bilingualism is preferred.

Benefits

• Incentive Pay
• Employer-Paid Benefits
• Pension Matching
• Competitive Vacation
• Paid Volunteer Day
• Employee Wellness
• Learning and Development Opportunities

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• written communication · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Decision Making · Preferred
• interpersonal communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Group Benefits Underwriting
• Risk Assessment
• Experience Rating
• Rate Setting
• Rate Negotiation
• Deductive Reasoning
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Interpersonal Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Organizational Skills
• Time Management
• Mathematical Ability
• French-English Bilingualism
• Curiosity
• Bilingual (French/English)
• Underwriting
• Multilingualism
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist
• Communication
• Experience Modifier
• Interpersonal Communications
• Mathematics
• Negotiation
• Enthusiasm

Job areas

• Finance & Accounting
• Sales
• Customer Service & Support
• Group Underwriter
• Insurance Underwriter (General)
• Insurance Representatives
• Insurance Underwriters

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