Underwriting Manager - Small Commercial

Berkley • Glen Allen, VA

78d

About The Position

The Underwriting Manager - Small Commercial leads an assigned Commercial Lines Underwriting team. Responsible for profitability, growth and retention of new and renewal business. Manage 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 Corporate Underwriting on risk acceptability, coverages, pricing, terms and conditions. Ensures quality of risk through passing audit scores for the team. 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 Corporate Underwriting, as needed, based on established guidelines. Hires, trains, and develops a high performing team of Small Commercial Underwriting professionals through leadership acumen and execution. Demonstrates genuine care and delivers daily 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. Conducts quarterly underwriting file quality reviews and shares results with the Small Commercial Segment Leader and corporate underwriting. Develops and implements action plans in response to file quality reviews. Monitors service levels associated with new business opportunities, renewal issuance, and endorsements. Participate on projects and initiatives as assigned by senior leadership. Utilize an innovative, problem-solving approach with all situations – challenging the status quo and elevating messages as needed, even when difficult. Coach to sales commitments, and develop employee development plans for all direct reports. Review claims activity, loss control surveys, and inspection reports for compliance with existing policies, handling exceptions as required and recommending improvements. Provide support to ensure accurate and timely servicing of accounts. Collaborate with other departments to resolve policy issues and adherence to service standards. Research, formulate and implement solutions for complex issues and accounts. Assist Underwriters in determining final coverages and pricing for commercial risks within assigned authority level. Proactively work to coach underwriters in the art of agency relationships – creating clarity around agency segmentation, coaching to initial conversations, retention, follow-up, all with a focus on long-term profitability and growth. Help underwriters understand expectations around knowing, contacting, and deepening relationships with key producers. Mentor less experienced underwriters and serve as a resource for others within the department as needed. Successfully build, manage and execute a New Business Pipeline for self as well helping assigned underwriters build, manage, and successfully execute a New Business Pipeline. Understand and communicate Berkley Mid-Atlantic’s strategic plan, tying into the department and build into employee development plans. Periodically review and refine underwriting best practices as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Travel as necessary.

Requirements

• 7+ years’ relevant experience in Commercial Lines Underwriting.
• Knowledge of underwriting processes, coverages, and tools.
• Demonstrated understanding of pricing components and rating methodology.
• Proven ability to interact and communicate with all levels of internal colleagues and external business partners.
• Track record of delivering accurate results consistently meeting deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving ability and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to listen reflectively and elevate difficult conversations.
• Possess AU, ARMS, CIC, CPCU, or other equivalent insurance designation preferred.
• Well organized, efficient, and able to work independently.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and efficiently prioritize.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• Possess AU, ARMS, CIC, CPCU, or other equivalent insurance designation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead an assigned Commercial Lines Underwriting team.
• Manage profitability, growth, and retention of new and renewal business.
• Delegate underwriting authority and ensure adherence to standards and guidelines.
• Monitor risk acceptability, pricing adequacy, and classification accuracy.
• Consult with underwriters and Corporate Underwriting on various aspects.
• Ensure quality of risk through passing audit scores.
• Underwrite accounts exceeding authority level of underwriting staff.
• Hire, train, and develop a high performing team.
• Provide coaching and feedback to staff.
• Conduct quarterly underwriting file quality reviews.
• Monitor service levels for new business opportunities and renewals.
• Participate in projects and initiatives as assigned.
• Utilize a problem-solving approach to challenges.
• Coach to sales commitments and develop employee development plans.
• Review claims activity and compliance with policies.
• Collaborate with other departments to resolve policy issues.
• Research and implement solutions for complex issues.
• Assist Underwriters in determining final coverages and pricing.
• Coach underwriters in agency relationships.
• Mentor less experienced underwriters.
• Build and manage a New Business Pipeline.
• Communicate Berkley Mid-Atlantic’s strategic plan.
• Review and refine underwriting best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel as necessary.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation plan.
• Robust benefits package for full time regular employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees