Excess and Surplus (E&S) Underwriting Manager (Hybrid)

Selective Insurance Company of America•Hartford, CT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Manages the growth, retention, and profitability of an assigned territory within Selective’s Excess & Surplus lines product. Leads, develops, coaches, and provides feedback to a team of underwriters, coordinating their activities with company goals and initiatives. Assists in developing, communicating, and executing underwriting strategy and initiatives, and operates within letter of authority. Provides management with premium and profitability reports and strategies for growth and improvement. Designs and implements departmental process improvements to increase procedural efficiency, productivity, and service quality. Develops agency relationships and territory presence by coordinating agency visits with cross-functional teams and staff. All duties and responsibilities must comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The role manages underwriting team activities and results, staff development, workflow, and quality and production standards. It monitors territory premium and profitability goals, General Agent performance, and market conditions; supports agency commitments; reviews and implements procedural changes; and prepares monthly and quarterly management reports. The manager provides guidance to General Agents and underwriters, liaises with internal teams, and maintains professional two-way communication with agents. Agency visits require car travel approximately 25% of the employee’s time. Court testimony, depositions, training, audits, pricing reviews, budget meetings, and other management meetings may be required as needed.

Requirements

Broad underwriting technical background.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Good analytical skills.
Proficiency with Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Valid state-issued driver’s license in good standing and ability to drive an automobile.
At least 7 years of underwriting experience.

Nice To Haves

College degree preferred.
At least 3 years of experience in rating, inspections, and claims preferred.
Prior leadership experience preferred.
Insurance designations preferred: Associate in Surplus Lines (ASLI), Associate in General Insurance (AINS), or Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).

Responsibilities

Manage, coordinate, direct, and monitor underwriting team activities and results to ensure accurate, quality work and high production standards.
Oversee staff training and development; evaluate staff abilities and duties, provide ongoing guidance, and make personnel recommendations.
Schedule, prioritize, and distribute unit workflow to ensure timely work and deadlines are met.
Assist the Relationship Manager in developing and monitoring premium commitments, SIBs, and PIPS for agents in the assigned territory.
Review, plan, support, and implement procedural changes; stay current on changes affecting unit production and the insurance industry; analyze data and develop solutions.
Monitor regional premium and profitability goals and market conditions, including whether General Agents meet production, profitability, and operating expectations.
Arbitrate problems between agents, insureds, and other departments.
Prepare monthly and quarterly territory reports for management.
Participate in General Agency training on company applications and guidelines as required.
Testify in court or participate in depositions as needed on claims or coverage issues.
Participate in state pricing reviews, quarterly underwriting file audit reviews, budget meetings, and higher-level manager meetings as required.
Monitor industry information, new ideas, products, and changes in other carriers’ philosophies that could affect the company, and advise the company accordingly.
Develop professional working relationships with agents and maintain two-way communication between agents and the company.
Guide General Agents and provide technical guidance and expertise to underwriters.
Liaise with supervisors, managers, branches, and corporate departments with which the unit interacts.
Conduct agency visits, requiring car travel approximately 25% of the employee’s time, and attend General Agent-sponsored events as required.