About Saigcor North America
Sagicor is a leading financial services provider with over 180 years of history, which operates across the Caribbean, in the United States and Canada. Sagicor currently operates in 19 countries and maintains a strong market position in most of the markets where it operates.
Sagicor has four reporting operating segments, Sagicor Life, Sagicor Jamaica, Sagicor Life USA and Sagicor Canada. For the last 12 months ending September 30, 2024, revenues were US$3.9 billion with assets under management of US$23 billion.
Sagicor’s objective is to be a leading insurance and financial services provider of world-class products and services to better serve its customers and other stakeholders in its markets.
Sagicor is focused on growing its business in the markets in which we operate and actively supporting the communities in which we serve. Sagicor North America is comprised of both Sagicor Canada (ivari) and Sagicor Life USA. For the last 12 months ending September 30, 2024, revenues were US$2.7 billion with assets under management of US$52 billion.
Sagicor Canada operates under the ivari brand name in Canada and is one of Canada’s leading individual life insurance providers.
Headquartered in Toronto, with an additional office in Montreal, ivari employs 300 people with a wide range of skills and expertise. provides a full range of insurance and investment products including universal life, term life, critical illness, and annuities through a national network of independent advisors.
Sagicor Life USA operates under the Sagicor Life Insurance brand name in the US, in 45 states and the District of Columbia. It has offices in Tampa, FL and Scottsdale, AZ and employs 160 people with a wide range of skills and expertise. Sagicor Life USA provides annuity and life products focusing on pre- and post-retiree clients through independent producers and financial advisors.
At Sagicor, we aim to attract, develop, and retain a workforce as diverse as the customers we serve and the communities in which we do business. We offer an inclusive and accessible work environment where all employees and customers feel valued, respected, and supported.
About the Role
As Vice President, Chief Underwriter – Sagicor North America, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership and overall effectiveness of the underwriting function across both Sagicor Canada and Sagicor Life USA.
This executive role oversees underwriting philosophy, operational procedures, vendor relationships, underwriter training, and audit practices. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders such as Corporate Actuarial, Sales, and Distribution. This position also provides strategic input on product development and offers guidance on complex underwriting cases.
The successful candidate will be an experienced underwriting professional with extensive knowledge of individual life underwriting, superior technical skills, and the leadership acumen to build a high-performing team.
This role reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Sagicor North America, and is based in Toronto, with a hybrid work model and occasional travel to the U.S.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the underwriting function by defining and maintaining underwriting philosophy and procedures across North America.
- Implement and chair the Underwriting Committee, ensuring decisions and practices are aligned with company strategy.
- Maintain and update underwriting policies to ensure compliance and risk mitigation in an evolving regulatory landscape.
- Serve as the underwriting representative to external stakeholders, including distributors, advisors, reinsurers, and industry bodies.
- Collaborate with Product Development to evaluate and mitigate underwriting risks for new offerings.
- Provide strategic oversight to the claims administration function, ensuring accurate and timely resolution of individual life and disability claims.
- Guide underwriter training, conduct audits, and implement controls to elevate technical expertise.
- Represent underwriting in technology initiatives and enterprise projects.
- Promote a culture of ethical behaviour, continuous improvement, and compliance.
- Cultivate strong relationships with internal leaders, regulators, and industry organizations.
- Ensure alignment of underwriting practices with those of the Parent Company, adapting as required by local regulations.
Required Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities
- 15+ years of individual life underwriting experience, including senior leadership responsibilities.
- Strong technical underwriting expertise in both medical and financial areas.
- University degree in Business or related field.
- Professional designations: FALU (Fellow, Academy of Life Underwriting) and FLMI (Fellow, Life Management Institute) or equivalent
- Demonstrated success in leading and motivating high-performing teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
- Experience with regulatory compliance in both Canadian and U.S. markets is an asset.
- High degree of professional ethics, independence, and organizational savvy.
- Comfort working with executive leadership and contributing to board-level discussions.
Characteristics
We are seeking an individual who thrives in a respectful and collaborative environment, where they can be their authentic self every day. You are valued for your opinions and contributions, and align with our core values:
- Bringing clarity and focus to your work
- Taking ownership and doing what you say you will
- Remaining flexible and adaptable
- Collaborating effectively with others
How to Apply
To express interest in this exciting opportunity, email your cover letter and resume to:
Kelly Cline, Consultant
Email: kcline@feldmandaxon.com