VP, Small Business Operations

# 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.
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