AVP - Construction Underwriting

UFG Career • Cedar Rapids, IA

23h • $155,000 - $200,000

About The Position

UFG's Construction Business Unit is expanding and we are looking for an AVP-Construction Underwriting to join the team! In this role you will be responsible for driving the underwriting strategy for the Construction Business Unit through referral support and consultation, training, and development of strategies for applicable Regions. This role operates under the leadership and guidance of the Construction Business Unit Leader and in collaboration with Line of Business Leaders, Middle Market AVPs and Regional underwriting teams. This role may also direct a team of technical experts in support of Construction strategy execution. Responsibilities: Review referrals based on technical complexity, market segmentation strategy, market appetite and collaborating with business leaders in analytics, product development, risk management, claims groups and region leadership to ensure alignment. Responsible for adhering to the overall BU strategic direction. Provide guidance on acceptability on the most complex underwriting risks. Provides technical expertise and is a resource to RVPs, Branch AVPs, Underwriting managers and Underwriters. The ability to communicate complex concepts clearly. May conduct research for underwriters on specific classes of business, operations, or any other technical subject. Maintains current knowledge of regulatory environment and emerging issues. Collaborates with internal partners to develop guidelines and deliver training to drive construction expertise across the Underwriting and Risk Control organizations. Lead collaborative and effective teams as assigned; analyzing and resolving problems, and executing team strategy. Develop key analytic insights, leading indicators, and profitability drivers through internal and external research. Monitor the portfolio, identifying shifts in the mix, evaluate performance and uncover areas of opportunity for growth through expanded appetite and profitability improvement. Contribute to the evaluation of the competitive landscape to ensure sustainability of the book of business and makes recommendations to improve competitiveness. Act as a subject matter expert, maintain a thorough knowledge of company Product features and benefits as well as industry trends. Develop and maintain strong agency relationships with key customers to ensure positive and profitable outcomes on complex accounts.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelors degree in a related field or equivalent experience required.
• Experience: 10+ years total experience in property/casualty insurance, with a solid background in construction.
• Exhibits exceptional technical skills as well as above average interpersonal skills & training ability.
• Experience with large, complex and middle market sized accounts.
• A visionary, solutions-oriented leader with the ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems, motivate and develop underwriters, and execute team strategy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong influencing and decision-making skills.
• Ability to think strategically with supporting analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Solid knowledge of construction, including associated underwriting technical processes and concepts.
• Demonstrated successful ability to organize and prioritize work to ensure timely deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Experience influencing and collaborating at the executive level.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications/Designations: CPCU designation preferred.
• Employees are expected to participate in continuing education throughout their careers including obtaining the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) certification within the first 90 days if not already holding it.
• Management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review referrals based on technical complexity, market segmentation strategy, market appetite and collaborating with business leaders in analytics, product development, risk management, claims groups and region leadership to ensure alignment.
• Responsible for adhering to the overall BU strategic direction.
• Provide guidance on acceptability on the most complex underwriting risks.
• Provides technical expertise and is a resource to RVPs, Branch AVPs, Underwriting managers and Underwriters.
• The ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.
• May conduct research for underwriters on specific classes of business, operations, or any other technical subject.
• Maintains current knowledge of regulatory environment and emerging issues.
• Collaborates with internal partners to develop guidelines and deliver training to drive construction expertise across the Underwriting and Risk Control organizations.
• Lead collaborative and effective teams as assigned; analyzing and resolving problems, and executing team strategy.
• Develop key analytic insights, leading indicators, and profitability drivers through internal and external research.
• Monitor the portfolio, identifying shifts in the mix, evaluate performance and uncover areas of opportunity for growth through expanded appetite and profitability improvement.
• Contribute to the evaluation of the competitive landscape to ensure sustainability of the book of business and makes recommendations to improve competitiveness.
• Act as a subject matter expert, maintain a thorough knowledge of company Product features and benefits as well as industry trends.
• Develop and maintain strong agency relationships with key customers to ensure positive and profitable outcomes on complex accounts.

Benefits

• Annual incentive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
• Accident, critical illness & short-term disability insurance
• Retirement plans with employer contributions
• Generous time-off program
• Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security.
• Officer-level employees may also be eligible for additional compensation components, including performance-based incentives, long-term incentive plans, and participation in executive benefit programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level