Director/Sr. Director: Railroad

Markel•Chicago, IL

1d•$152,600 - $368,900

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to lead and implement the strategic development and execution of organizational goals and objectives. Provide leadership, direction and support to underwriting team(s) and/or direct reports. Is responsible for underwriting, profitability, growth and retention of new and renewal business that is consistent with underwriting strategies. Manage underwriting functions to achieve profit, revenue, loss ratio, and expense targets. Ensure effective execution of best practices. In conjunction with PLL Leadership delegate underwriting authority to staff via letters of authority; monitor and revise as appropriate. Ensure a quality underwriting work product is produced consistent with letters of authority, underwriting strategy, standards and process. Provide coaching and training for underwriting staff based on results of underwriting audit review. Work with Operations to ensure all processing and service standards are met. Communicate, identified agency production, training or quality issues to Marketing. Develop and maintain relationships with internal resources (Actuarial, Product Development, Claim, IT, etc.) to coordinate services to customers.

Requirements

Minimum of 10+ years of underwriting expertise with at least 5 years of underwriting experience within Railroad/Inland Marine;
Undergraduate degree preferred;
Superior verbal and written communication skills;
Collaborative style;
High energy, pro-active self-starter; someone with a strong sense of urgency;
Demonstrated ability in setting and meeting objectives and getting leadership, peers and underwriters to “buy in” through superior influencing skills;
Flexible and spontaneous qualities are key elements to the success of this position;
Interpersonal skills necessary to achieve desired goals and to interact effectively as well as a high level of confidence, integrity, energy and enthusiasm, executive presence and a personality that fits the “Markel Style.
Ability to travel 25%.
US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree and/or industry designations would be a plus;

Responsibilities

Proactively identify new market opportunities and product offerings as well as support cross-sell opportunities by identifying and solving client needs;
Maintain product line specific technical pricing standards and underwriting authority within the commercial property product line;
Set underwriting standards and strategy for the commercial property product;
Manage the Railroad book including portfolio aggregation management;
Provide clear underwriting direction to regional underwriting teams and ensure effective execution in line with product goals.
Prepare, coordinate and execute product line specific training for underwriters and support staff;
Provide prompt and productive reviews of accounts beyond assigned authority levels;
Transmit concerns/feedback to Senior Leadership regarding product, underwriting and claims concerns based on interactions with management, underwriters and producers;
Work with Business Development teams to target producers as well as manage client relationships;
Assist with the development of new business opportunities.