Operations Manager (MGA / MGU)

ARU•Atlanta, GA

1d•Remote

About The Position

ARU , founded in 2016, has quickly risen to become the U.S. leader in specialty property insurance underwriting, product development, loss control, and technology. ARU continues to grow at a rapid pace, and we are currently seeking an experienced, hands-on Operations Manager to lead the EXECUTION and CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT of a newly formed company unit focused on launching NEW LINES OF BUSINESS. The right candidate will be an individual: 1) who brings experience leading operational excellence at an MGA / MGU, insurtech, specialty lines agency, or other specialty insurance organization, and 2) who has the heart of a servant leader, using both words and actions to lead in a hands-on manner. A few words from ARU's CEO Will Johnson: "I started ARU in 2016 at ground zero, with zero customers, zero revenue, and one big foundational idea: other market participants were operating fundamentally flawed models that were not sustainable . I strongly believed ARU could deliver substantial value by making a clean break from the legacy underwriting methods -- and by building a completely new and innovative approach. But - I must say, believing it and executing it were two very different things, ha! While it certainly has not been easy, amazing work by the ARU team has generated superlative growth and profitability results, and it continues to be incredibly fulfilling to see ARU's original mission be realized. I am now seeking the next great addition to our team, an Operations Manager for a newly formed unit focused on building new insurance programs and lines of business. If you are a world-class insurance operations professional who's seeking to do the best work of your career, I invite you to reach out to us."

Requirements

Demonstrable strategic, operational, and administrative experience at an MGA / MGU, insurtech, specialty lines agency, or other specialty insurance organization (with entrepreneurial company experience highly preferred).
Demonstrable technical proficiency in change management, impact mapping, process mapping / documentation / improvement, KPI assessment and tracking, project planning and management, data analysis / organization / reporting, vendor management, and system planning and implementation.
Demonstrable proficiency using AI tools to improve professional output.
Demonstrable excellence in thoroughness, accuracy, organization, resource management, record-keeping, and requirement gathering.
Demonstrable success influencing positive outcomes, driving initiatives, and coordinating efforts across departments without having formal direct authority.
Exceptional leadership and soft skills, with the strong ability to resolve challenging situations with a patient and calm demeanor.
Excellent professional presentation and polish, in the spoken word and written form.
Excellent critical thinker and problem-solver under pressure.
High intellectual curiosity, with an enjoyment of learning and self-improvement.
As such, adherence to remote-work best practices is required, which includes (but is not limited to) having an appropriate professional home-office set-up, with reliable high speed internet.
The space used for the office must be a separate enclosed room with a door that closes and that has professional decor appropriate for video conferencing.
However, working either EASTERN or CENTRAL time business hours is required.

Nice To Haves

Preferred : bachelor's degree from an accredited 4 year college or university.

Responsibilities

Help ARU be the best in the world at what we do, and do not ever settle for mediocrity.
Actively participate in ARU’s culture of collaborative problem-solving.
Treat every assignment as an opportunity to: 1) learn and grow as an insurance professional, and 2) prepare for increased responsibilities in the company.
Perform with a high level of polish and professionalism, in all spoken and written communications.
Address internal and external business challenges in a graceful and tactful manner.
Complete all duties with a high degree of urgency, thoroughness, and accuracy.
New Program and Line of Business Implementation and Administration
Strategic Planning & Execution: collaborate closely with executive leadership to understand, refine, and drive the execution of the company's strategic plan and key business objectives. This includes identifying opportunities for growth, market expansion, and operational improvements.
Due Diligence and Carrier Liaison: perform as lead communicator and facilitator between internal teams and external parties, including but not limited to carriers. Fulfill carrier requests, gather information, create reports and documents as appropriate, and advance the due diligence process in an efficient and timely manner.
Gather requirements, implement, test, and monitor routine and ad hoc reporting, including but not limited to Premium and Cash BDXs.
Decision Support & Analysis: conduct research, synthesize complex information, and prepare data-driven reports and presentations to support decision-making on critical business issues, market trends, and competitive analysis.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: facilitate efficient communication and collaboration across all departments (e.g., Underwriting, Claims, Sales, Accounting, Operations) to ensure alignment on strategic initiatives and efficient project execution. Act as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
Operational Excellence & Project Management Initiative Management: lead and manage special projects and strategic initiatives, often requiring cross-functional involvement. This includes defining project scope, setting timelines, allocating resources, tracking progress, and quality assurance.
Meeting & Communication Facilitation: plan, prepare for, and facilitate internal and external meetings. This involves location planning, vendor coordination, developing agendas, preparing comprehensive materials, capturing action items, and ensuring timely follow-up.
Process Optimization: identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and support ARU's rapid growth and evolving business needs.
Performance Tracking: develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track the progress of strategic initiatives and overall business performance.
Communication & Stakeholder Management Internal Communications: draft and disseminate internal communications, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with ARU's vision and values.
External Representation: represent the company in various capacities with internal and external stakeholders, including partners, clients, and industry associations, maintaining strong relationships and reflecting the company's professional image.
Problem Resolution: proactively identify potential issues, conflicts, or roadblocks, and work collaboratively to resolve them, escalating to executive leadership only as necessary, with proposed solutions.
Master the use of ARU standardized hardware, software programs, third party software, and processing procedures.
Other, as assigned.

Benefits

You will work closely with company executives, including Co-founder Will Johnson, a nationally-recognized insurance leader.
You will perform in a key collaborative, administrative, and support role, helping establish and grow the new division.
You will receive a competitive compensation package, with base annual salary, annual bonus, and company-provided benefits.
You will have 100% employer-paid health insurance, generous PTO, and a 100% vested retirement plan with company match.
You will have a position in a fast-growing, modern, technology-based company, where your contribution will be critical to the company’s success, and where your performance will earn you opportunities for recognition and promotion.

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