AVP Underwriting Cyber

Howden•Chicago, NY

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

DUAL North America is seeking an Assistant Vice President in Underwriting for its Cyber division. The AVP leads a team of underwriters and sets and executes production goals aligned with divisional strategy. The role combines portfolio management and team leadership, including coaching and performance management. The AVP underwrites complex risks, develops key producer relationships, and drives business growth as a subject matter expert. The position leads underwriting of high-severity reputational and operational risks, manages strategic broker partnerships, and drives product differentiation in an emerging risk area. The AVP has underwriting authority as outlined in the applicable Letter of Authority (LOA). The role is based in New York, NY or Chicago, IL, and is described as hybrid. Travel is listed as up to 50% or more in the role details; the requirements section specifies travel up to 25% or more as needed for client meetings, conferences, or industry events. The position reports to the EVP Underwriting, Cyber.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in risk management, finance, business, or a related field is strongly preferred.
8–10 years of relevant underwriting experience, with leadership exposure.
In-depth understanding of technical underwriting principles and risk assessment.
Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
Proven ability to manage and build broker and client relationships.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Demonstrated ability to handle complex risks with sound judgment.
Highly self-motivated with strong attention to detail.
Ability to travel as required for client meetings, conferences, or industry events; the posting gives differing estimates of up to 50% or more and up to 25% or more.
Ability to remain in a stationary position approximately 50% of the time, with occasional movement throughout the office to access files and equipment.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as CPCU, AU, or similar designations are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Define team production goals aligned with divisional goals and drive execution, including hands-on work and work accomplished through direct reports.
Coach, mentor, and train junior and/or senior underwriters.
Manage a team of underwriters, including conducting performance reviews, providing input to merit recommendations, and making termination decisions.
Review references from team members.
Curate a portfolio of business according to underwriting guidelines and prescribed pricing tools; use the AVP’s greater authority to build or grow a book of business where applicable.
Execute annual new and renewal business goals by achieving agreed premium income and quote numbers, along with desired hit ratios and retentions.
Develop new relationships with key producers to generate and place business.
Quote and/or bind accounts.
Serve as a subject matter expert, demonstrating advanced understanding of technical underwriting principles and risk characteristics, including nuanced risks, limits, and pricing.
Monitor market dynamics, the competitive landscape, and product differences, and communicate market intelligence to the broader team and business.
Participate in Team Leader Meetings where applicable.
Hire for the respective team, raise job requisitions, participate in new-hire interviews, and make hiring decisions where applicable.
Exercise underwriting authority as outlined in the LOA.