Vice President, Underwriting- West Region

BITCO Insurance Companies•Lakewood, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Old Republic Bitco is seeking a Vice President, Underwriting to provide strategic leadership and oversight of underwriting operations across the West Coast Region. The role is based at the regional office in Pasadena, California, and offers a hybrid work arrangement. The position ensures underwriting activities align with company guidelines, risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and profitability objectives. Working with Underwriting Managers and regional leadership, the Vice President drives underwriting performance, portfolio management, agency relationships, and business growth while maintaining disciplined risk selection and pricing. The role provides direction, coaching, and guidance to underwriting teams; promotes consistency in underwriting practices; and supports regional and corporate business objectives. It monitors production, retention, loss ratio, and profitability trends and implements strategies for sustainable growth and operational excellence. The Vice President also oversees regional business planning and sales objectives, guides decisions on complex risks, and develops agency and customer relationships. Travel is required as necessary to perform sales and marketing activities, maintain the territory, attend meetings, and fulfill position requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Insurance, Risk Management, or another business-related field.
8–10+ years of industry experience in commercial underwriting in the construction, forest products, manufacturing, and/or oil and gas industries.
Experience underwriting new and renewal business, including determining pricing and understanding commercial lines policy forms and coverages.
Experience analyzing and managing exposures, including developing action plans to manage risks and changes during a policy period.
Experience in agency management, including growth and development, prospecting, appointments, and maximizing opportunities and responsibilities.
External sales experience cultivating new business and demonstrating retention of current customers through presentations to agencies and customers.
5+ years of experience supervising or managing an underwriting team.
Demonstrated proficiency in recognizing key underwriting issues and taking appropriate action based on developed information.
Willingness to travel as required to maintain the territory and scope of responsibility.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Chartered Property Casualty Insurance (CPCU) designation or similar professional designation.

Responsibilities

Direct and supervise assigned underwriting teams, in conjunction with local Underwriting Managers, including the quality, quantity, and timeliness of their work.
Oversee underwriting practices in assigned branch offices or territories and direct the planning and achievement of underwriting goals for assigned business programs.
Decide whether to accept, decline, or modify insurance applications or requests, and recognize and evaluate exposure changes during policy periods.
Work with local Managers to prepare and carry out annual office business plans, set business objectives, and make revisions as needed to meet branch sales and profit goals.
Underwrite or guide the underwriting of large or unusual risks requiring advanced technical knowledge of products and industries.
Manage and develop regional business, including profitable underwriting results, sales development, and customer service.
Formulate and achieve regional sales budgets and objectives, including premium and loss ratio goals, agency and prospecting calls, and business forecasting.
Maintain current company and department procedures.
Assign work, train and provide feedback to team members, and conduct timely and appropriate performance evaluations.
Make decisions within established authority and company guidelines, and seek exceptions when supported by appropriate data.
Guide underwriting teams in soliciting new business and retaining renewal business through effective presentations to agencies and customers.
Develop effective agency relationships, including prospecting, agency appointments, agency growth, profit-sharing opportunities, and credit management; evaluate agency factors and appointment or termination decisions.
Maintain awareness and understanding of sales and marketing innovations, changes, and strategies.
Travel as necessary to perform sales and marketing activities, maintain the territory, attend meetings, or otherwise fulfill position requirements.
Represent management and promote OR Bitco’s mission, values, and culture through leadership and communication.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Generous paid time off and 12 paid holidays annually.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
Company-paid life insurance equal to 2× annual salary.
Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
401(k) Savings and Profit-Sharing Plan through Old Republic.
Ongoing education, training, and professional development opportunities.
Support and financial assistance for industry certifications and insurance designations.
Flexible scheduling with a two-hour window for start and end times within a 7.5-hour workday.
Opportunities to participate in corporate philanthropy and community service initiatives.
Optional travel, commuter, and pet insurance.
Employee wellness support through a dedicated fitness program.