Regional Underwriting Director

EMC Insurance Companies•Nebraska - Work from Home, NE

9d•$121,263 - $191,687•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regional Underwriting Director leads the regional underwriting process and department, establishing territory-specific guidelines and strategies to support profitable business. The role serves as a regional subject matter expert, makes final decisions on complex or high-risk accounts, monitors underwriting results and compliance, and communicates corporate underwriting updates to the team. The director develops the underwriting team through coaching, expertise-building, succession planning, and development plans. The role also manages agency relationships, educates agents on EMC products and underwriting practices, and collaborates with the Regional Vice President and other teams to set goals, assess market trends, and grow profitable business. The position is eligible for a hybrid schedule from the Omaha metro and requires occasional travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in insurance or business administration, or equivalent relevant experience.
Ten years of commercial lines underwriting experience.
Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
Superior knowledge of underwriting and risk analysis.
Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions.
Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media.
Ability to oversee multiple projects and make decisions under challenging circumstances.
Ability to translate technical ideas into general terms for business customers.
Ability to explore new processes, services, technologies, and partnerships to enhance the business.
Superior written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent leadership skills and ability to motivate a team.
Ability to effectively communicate products, procedures, business planning, and system information.
Exceptional customer service skills.
Ability to speak effectively before groups.
Occasional travel is required.
A valid driver’s license and an acceptable motor vehicle report under company standards are required if driving.

Nice To Haves

CPCU designation or other underwriting-related designation(s).

Responsibilities

Lead and direct the regional underwriting process.
Develop and enforce underwriting guidelines and procedures for the regional territory.
Model effective underwriting practices across accounts, lines of business, and classes.
Set and implement strategies to address profitability challenges and communicate them throughout the underwriting department.
Provide recommendations and explain decisions in complex situations involving difficult accounts, communication strategies, or agency relationships.
Monitor business results to ensure underwriting authority limits, guidelines, service directives, pricing, and rate goals are met.
Serve as the region’s subject matter expert and make final decisions on complex or high-risk accounts.
Review underwriting updates from the Corporate Office and communicate changes to the team.
Oversee and direct the underwriting department, supporting short- and long-term success.
Develop team expertise and conduct succession planning, including identifying talent and implementing development plans for critical positions.
Manage existing agency relationships and develop new ones to grow profitable business and rehabilitate unprofitable or low-growth relationships.
Meet with and educate agents about EMC products, underwriting appetite, systems, and services to generate quality new business opportunities.
Collaborate with the Regional Vice President to determine underwriting strategy and practices and establish short- and long-term goals.
Analyze insurance and industry trends in the operating area, including coverages, rates, and market conditions, to identify profitable segments for growth.
Audit new business and renewals for compliance with Sarbanes Oxley, letters of authority, and underwriting quality and completeness.
Coordinate agency management activities, including planning and agency review meetings, with underwriters, marketing, and regional management.