Manager - Underwriting Associates

W.R. Berkley Corporation•Charlotte, NC

65d

About The Position

The Manager - Underwriting Associates is responsible for effectively managing the Associate Underwriting staff and function. Drives profitable underwriting results and managed growth through leadership, development and engagement Key functions include but are not limited to the following: Assists in the development and implementation of macro (regional and enterprise) as well as micro (state, city, rural area, agent level) strategies for driving long-term success in the middle market, and/or small commercial property and casualty across all major lines of business. Manages an assigned commercial underwriting function and staff through delegation of underwriting authority. Ensures adherence to Letter of Authority and other Underwriting standards and guidelines. Monitors the risk acceptability, pricing adequacy and classification accuracy of accounts to ensure profitability and managed growth of business. Consults with underwriters and Home Office Underwriting on risk acceptability, coverages, pricing, terms and conditions. Underwrites accounts exceeding authority level of underwriting staff by analyzing applications, risk services reports, Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs), financial reports, etc. Determines accurate classification of business, policy contract forms and pricing of risk. Refers accounts to Home Office Underwriting, as needed, based on established guidelines. Develops a high performing team through leadership acumen and execution. Demonstrates genuine care and delivers coaching to staff and leaders in order to further develop their skills set and performance for current and future roles. Provides frequent and specific constructive feedback on a regular basis. Contributes to the organization's success by developing business unit and individual performance goals and measuring results. Provides recognition and acknowledgement of key achievements. Engages agency partners through selective travel, involvement in distribution related events, and correspondence on key accounts. Contributes leadership and oversight of the selection and management of the distribution plant of independent agencies.• Conducts quarterly underwriting file quality reviews and shares results with the Branch Manager. Develops and implements action plans in response to file quality reviews. • Monitors and reports on key performance indicators for the portfolio related to pipelines, quotes, new business, total book of business, mix of business, retention, loss performance, rate attainment, etc.• Partners with leaders in other business units (Underwriting, Claims, Risk Services) on continued growth in the effectiveness of critical business processes and products.• Performs other related duties as assigned by management. Supervisory Responsibilities• Directly supervises Underwriting Associates. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Requirements

Ten years of commercial lines underwriting experience.
Supervisory or management experience strongly desired.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
Well-rounded experience and an in-depth knowledge of Commercial Insurance programs, policies, practices, coverages, forms underwriting strategies.
Working knowledge of and experience in reinsurance placements and procedures.
Valid driver's license for travel.
Completion of or working towards AINS, AU, CPCU or similar designations.
Demonstrated critical thinking, problem analysis, and problem resolution skills at both a strategic and functional level
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with ability to communicate across all levels of the enterprise
Demonstrated ability to lead people and influence others to achieve results
Previous team leadership experience with an ability and passion for talent development
Adjusts rapidly to changing situations in order to respond to a changing business environment or priorities
Strong customer orientation
Effective organizational, multi-tasking and prioritizing skills
Ability to travel and work outside normal work schedule to fulfill responsibilities.
Regularly and consistently demonstrates commitment to company values and guiding principles.
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.

Responsibilities

Assists in the development and implementation of macro (regional and enterprise) as well as micro (state, city, rural area, agent level) strategies for driving long-term success in the middle market, and/or small commercial property and casualty across all major lines of business.
Manages an assigned commercial underwriting function and staff through delegation of underwriting authority. Ensures adherence to Letter of Authority and other Underwriting standards and guidelines.
Monitors the risk acceptability, pricing adequacy and classification accuracy of accounts to ensure profitability and managed growth of business. Consults with underwriters and Home Office Underwriting on risk acceptability, coverages, pricing, terms and conditions.
Underwrites accounts exceeding authority level of underwriting staff by analyzing applications, risk services reports, Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs), financial reports, etc. Determines accurate classification of business, policy contract forms and pricing of risk. Refers accounts to Home Office Underwriting, as needed, based on established guidelines.
Develops a high performing team through leadership acumen and execution. Demonstrates genuine care and delivers coaching to staff and leaders in order to further develop their skills set and performance for current and future roles. Provides frequent and specific constructive feedback on a regular basis. Contributes to the organization's success by developing business unit and individual performance goals and measuring results. Provides recognition and acknowledgement of key achievements.
Engages agency partners through selective travel, involvement in distribution related events, and correspondence on key accounts. Contributes leadership and oversight of the selection and management of the distribution plant of independent agencies.
Conducts quarterly underwriting file quality reviews and shares results with the Branch Manager. Develops and implements action plans in response to file quality reviews.
Monitors and reports on key performance indicators for the portfolio related to pipelines, quotes, new business, total book of business, mix of business, retention, loss performance, rate attainment, etc.
Partners with leaders in other business units (Underwriting, Claims, Risk Services) on continued growth in the effectiveness of critical business processes and products.
Performs other related duties as assigned by management.