Contract Surety Manager

Berkley•Chicago, IL

4d•$110,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Berkley Surety is a professional, service-oriented surety underwriting management company that offers a full spectrum of bonds for contract, environmental, and commercial surety accounts. They operate through multiple distribution channels in the United States and Canada, writing on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which holds an A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior). The company emphasizes building strong relationships with its agents and values their insight and expertise to provide timely and predictable surety solutions.

Requirements

Minimum 4-year degree or related industry experience
10+ years of Surety industry or related experience required
Demonstrates the ability to read, analyze, discuss, and interpret financial statements, bond forms, contract documents, and government regulations and reach appropriate risk assessment conclusions.
Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to write clear and effective reports and business correspondence.
Ability to provide well-developed recommendations in support of new and existing accounts, as well as client bond needs.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
Ability to solve practical problems and appropriately deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to effectively interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Must be able to organize and effectively handle medium to complex volumes of information.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Self-motivation and an out-going orientation with strong customer focus.

Nice To Haves

Business/Finance/Accounting Majors preferred, but not required
Banking or Credit Analysis background is a plus

Responsibilities

Manage, produce, and underwrite new and renewal business from assigned agents/brokers in the primary line of business.
Consistently achieve budgeted financial results (premium volume, loss ratio, premium collections, and expense management including commissions) through new business acquisition, retention of business, and effective price management.
Actively participate in the planning and expense management process.
Interact and collaborate with a team of Line of Business colleagues and other critical internal/external business associates.
Independently underwrite, assess, and manage an assigned portfolio of accounts in a particular line or lines of business, effectively underwriting both performance and non-performance bonds.
Understand and execute personal and branch objectives and strategies to produce budgeted results.
Effectively develop and leverage agency/client relationships through a high level of visibility with agents, brokers, and clients.
Plan and execute regular travel to develop and enhance new and existing producer and account relationships; visit new and existing accounts; prepare and share meeting agendas; obtain follow-up documentation; evaluate accounts; and submit timely, detailed submission memos for appropriate credit approval.
Effectively communicate the mission and objectives of the Company in account meetings with confidence, clear communication, good listening skills, professionalism, and empathy.
Maintain and manage workflow, including effective communications, with agency representatives in the assigned territory, meeting all company standards and expectations.
Communicate acceptance or rejection of new and existing accounts while working towards establishing and enhancing the Company’s brand.
Be accountable for accurate underwriting documentation/information in account management systems and adherence to documentation standards, ensuring accuracy and integrity of all information contained in account files and keeping them up to date.
Participate in the premium budget and expense process for the profit center.
Actively keep management apprised of issues of importance to the Branch and the Company.
May assist or be directly responsible in the development, mentoring/coaching, or supervision of Executive Underwriters, Sr. Underwriters, Underwriters, Associate Underwriters, or Underwriting Trainees.
Perform other duties as assigned.