Vice President, Commercial Insurance - Business Unit Leader

Job Description

Vice President, Commercial Insurance - Business Unit Leader

Cowan Insurance Group is looking for a Vice President, Commercial Insurance, Business Unit Leader to join our Commercial Insurance team! This role reports to the President of Cowan Insurance Group Ltd. The Vice President will be accountable for leading a commercial insurance business unit and guiding a team of commercial account executives (CAE’s) specializing in the commercial property and casualty (P&C) insurance sector.

What You Will Do

• Provide leadership to several direct line reports consisting primarily of CAEs


• Creating an engaging and motivational work environment that fosters career development and teamwork


• Managing and achieving established financial objectives


• Developing annual business plans in collaboration with the President and other members of the senior leadership team


• Maintain senior contact relationships with clients


• Working with CAEs and product specialists in promoting and delivering strong client retention strategies


• Be accountable for and work in partnership with Commercial Insurance Operations leaders to ensure quality and consistency of client service deliveries are achieved


• Drive growth by developing new and expanding businesses opportunities with CAEs or through your individual networks and initiatives including cross selling and referrals


• Collaborate with the Marketing & Sales operational team to help achieve growth objectives


• Conduct regular individual meetings with CAEs to help facilitate growth, provide coaching, motivate and guide success


• Maintaining strong relationship with insurance carriers to facilitate appropriate risk transfer or retention strategies for clients


• Oversight of claims management and loss prevention services


• Coordination and delivery of specialty product resources


• Recruit and onboard new team members at all levels for the Commercial Insurance Business unit


• Responsible for client satisfaction surveys, developing action plans to enhance overall client satisfaction


• Establish and foster collaborative relationships with Cowan’s corporate team members to ensure consistency in values and adherence to established standards and practices


• Work closely with team members across all offices, primarily in Cambridge, Brantford, Hamilton, Paris and Woodstock

What you will bring

• Minimum of 5 years proven Commercial Insurance management experience, with broad scope of expertise in commercial servicing and sales


• Business minded with a passion for technical excellence


• CAIB or CIP designation (or working towards designation) would be an asset


• Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) License is required or willing to obtain


• Post-Secondary Education is preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered


• Financial analysis skills an asset


• Result driven with a strong desire to win and build successful teams


• Passion for networking within the community and industry association events


• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills, written and oral


• High level of self-motivation, with the ability to perform effectively, with minimal supervision


• Proven proficiency in management and client management skills


• High level of integrity, respect, client focused, ability to collaborate and take accountability

Who We Are

Proudly independent and Canadian-owned, Cowan Insurance Group has been a true market leader in the insurance industry since 1927. With an extensive range of product offerings and integrated commercial and personal insurance, group benefits, and wealth management solutions, we provide our clients with outstanding customized, comprehensive insurance and risk management professional advice and placement.

Recognized as one of Canada’s Most Admired Cultures and a Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club Member, Cowan Insurance Group's award‑winning client‑centric approach emphasizes innovation, excellence, and collaboration. Join our team as we prepare for our centennial celebration in 2027!

What sets us apart

• Be In Good Company – Integrity matters. It drives our award‑winning workplace culture and fuels our collective desire to help our clients, employees, and communities thrive.


• Challenge your thinking – You're valued for your passion, drive and creativity. The pace is fast, but the work is meaningful, interesting, and complex, just the way you like it.


• Grow together – We believe in your potential. If you’re looking to develop your expertise with learning opportunities and mentoring, we’ll make that happen.

Benefits And Perks

• Competitive salary


• Participate in our comprehensive benefits plan on day one — no waiting period


• Company‑matched Retirement Savings Plan


• Company‑paid training and development courses


• Community involvement


• Hybrid work environment

Additional information

This position is subject to appropriate background checks that may include credential, employment, credit, criminal and reference checks.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, we will contact only those selected for interviews. If you are an applicant with disabilities and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of our contact so that we may arrange for their provision.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will be selected strictly on the basis of an individual's technical qualifications, knowledge and experience, as they relate to the requirements of a particular position. Selections will be made without regard to: age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, record of offences, sex, sexual orientation.

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Business Development and Sales

Industries

Insurance