AVP, Risk Services

Berkley•Urbandale, IA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Continental Western Group (CWG) is seeking an Assistant Vice President, Risk Services to lead a dynamic Risk Services organization and serve as a key partner to underwriting, claims, agencies, and policyholders. In this highly visible leadership role, you'll shape the future of Risk Services by delivering innovative, value-driven risk management solutions, fostering a client-first culture, and helping drive underwriting profitability, customer retention, and long-term business success. As the AVP, Risk Services, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Risk Services function while ensuring exceptional service delivery and technical excellence. This role will be based in our Urbandale, IA office. We offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Insurance, Business Administration, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive experience in Risk Control within the property and casualty insurance industry.
5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and business operations.
Demonstrated success leading a technical service organization while maintaining a strong customer-focused approach.
Strong knowledge of occupational safety and health principles.
Experience working with agribusiness insurance and agency distribution networks.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive results without direct authority.
Strong business acumen with the ability to analyze financial and operational data and make strategic recommendations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related discipline.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.
ARM, CPCU, or similar professional insurance designation (completed or in progress).

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Risk Services professionals and managers.
Recruit, hire, train, coach, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Conduct performance evaluations, salary reviews, and career development planning.
Monitor workloads, territory assignments, and resource allocation to ensure service consistency and operational efficiency.
Establish individual and departmental goals, measure results, and recognize achievement.
Develop and execute Risk Services strategies aligned with enterprise goals and business priorities.
Oversee departmental performance, service levels, turnaround times, and quality standards.
Create and enhance policies, procedures, productivity metrics, and operational processes.
Manage the annual department budget and provide ongoing performance reporting to senior leadership.
Deliver executive-level reporting, including risk assessment insights and business recommendations.
Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging risks, and advancements in technology, including Artificial Intelligence.
Champion a client-first service culture across the organization.
Partner closely with underwriting, claims, and agency teams to improve risk quality, enhance retention, and strengthen customer relationships.
Build trusted advisory relationships with agents, policyholders, underwriting leaders, and claims partners.
Promote proactive engagement through risk improvement planning, stewardship meetings, consultative support, and pre-renewal strategies.
Serve as a strategic advisor by translating complex risk management issues into practical, actionable business solutions.
Lead initiatives that improve customer outcomes, reduce losses, and support profitable growth.
Monitor key performance indicators related to responsiveness, consultation quality, follow-through, timeliness, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Conduct audits and quality reviews to ensure technical excellence and adherence to service standards.
Drive innovation by identifying emerging risk trends and implementing best practices across the organization.
Advocate for continuous improvement by gathering feedback from customers, agents, and internal business partners.