AVP, Contract

Berkley•Seattle, WA

2d•$230,000 - $270,000

About The Position

Berkley Surety is seeking an AVP, Contract to serve as lead underwriter for assigned field offices, acting as a frontline resource for the contract department, commercial department, or both. The role underwrites new and renewal business with limited supervision and supports the Head of Underwriting in achieving budgeted financial results while maintaining effective pricing and sound underwriting practices. The position also leads book-of-business reviews, assists with portfolio management, and builds collaborative relationships with field underwriters and internal and external business associates. The AVP evaluates account information, financial statements, bond forms, supporting documents, and applicable regulations to assess risk and make underwriting decisions within prescribed authority limits. For matters outside those limits, the role provides recommendations to the Head of Underwriting. The AVP also develops producer and account relationships through planned travel, coordinates workflow with assigned field offices and other stakeholders, contributes to underwriting procedures and policy, submits special acceptance requests to reinsurers, and coaches and trains team members.

Requirements

Minimum four-year degree or related industry experience.
Ten years of surety industry or related experience required.
High degree of analytical and communication skills, including the ability to convey knowledge and expertise to others.
Expert ability to read, analyze, discuss, and interpret financial statements, bond forms, supporting documents, and government regulations and reach appropriate risk-assessment conclusions.
Ability to provide well-developed reasons for underwriting approvals and declinations and recommendations supporting accounts and bond needs beyond granted authority limits.
Ability to communicate difficult decisions and positions when faced with opposing views.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear reports and business correspondence.
Ability to solve practical problems and handle concrete variables in situations with limited standardization.
Ability to organize and adjust workflow during periods of high activity and work independently and in a team environment.
Self-motivation, an outgoing orientation, and a strong customer focus.
Proficiency with company automation tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes, and the underwriting system.

Nice To Haves

Business, Finance, or Accounting major preferred, but not required.
Prior experience in branch or field office management is suggested.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead underwriter for assigned field offices in the contract department, commercial department, or both.
Underwrite new and renewal business with limited supervision.
Support the Head of Underwriting in achieving budgeted financial results, managing price, and producing profitable results through sound underwriting practices.
Lead book-of-business reviews and assist with portfolio management.
Approve or decline business within prescribed authority limits, including conditions as appropriate, and communicate decisions in a timely and understandable manner consistent with company guidelines and goals.
Recommend courses of action, policy positions, and underwriting guidelines to the Head of Underwriting, including recommendations for accounts or bond requests exceeding authority limits.
Review and analyze submitted information for new and renewal business; identify and obtain additional information when needed.
Communicate recommendations and decisions clearly and professionally, listening effectively and working to be a trusted adviser and partner.
Plan and conduct regular travel to develop and strengthen producer and account relationships; visit accounts, prepare meeting agendas, obtain follow-up documentation, and evaluate accounts for appropriate action.
Collaborate with assigned field offices, Home Office colleagues, reinsurers, and other business associates, and manage workflow and communications to meet company standards and expectations.
Participate in senior management decisions concerning the development or improvement of underwriting procedures, guidelines, and policy.
Evaluate bond forms and other relevant documents to assess risk.
Keep the Head of Underwriting informed of important issues.
Submit special acceptance requests to reinsurers for large-capacity accounts.
Develop and train other team members, including senior underwriters, underwriters, associate underwriters, and trainees, as appropriate.
Provide coaching, mentoring, and leadership to others.

Benefits

Competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full-time regular employees.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Disability benefits.
Wellness benefits.
Paid time off.
401(k) plan.
Profit-sharing plans.