VP, Contract Surety Underwriting

IAT Insurance Group•Greenwood Village, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

IAT Surety is hiring a Vice President of Contract Surety Underwriting, located at any IAT location. The position reports to the Chief Underwriting Officer for Contract Surety and assists with managing the underwriting of Contract Surety and Specialty Surety lines of business. It also manages assigned Contract and Specialty Surety Regional Profit Centers. As a member of the Home Office Underwriting Management Team, the VP participates in planning growth and coordinating the organization’s strategic plan, while integrating and collaborating with other functional divisions. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in contract surety with an understanding of commercial surety. This role follows a hybrid schedule: employees work from the office with colleagues and other disciplines Monday through Wednesday, with the option to work remotely Thursday and Friday. The position requires extensive contract surety experience, specialty surety capability, field experience, and significant supervisory experience. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require current or future visa sponsorship. The annual base salary range is $175,000–$290,000. Total compensation includes base salary, performance-based bonus opportunities, 401(k) match, and profit-sharing opportunities. Actual salary varies based on qualifications, skills, and competencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and more than 12 years of relevant Surety industry experience, or equivalent experience; equivalent is defined as 16 years of relevant Surety industry experience.
Extensive Contract Surety experience and ability in Specialty Surety.
At least 6 years of supervisory experience.
Field experience.
Superior written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and provide career development direction to direct reports.
High self-awareness, including seeking and embracing candid feedback with resiliency.
Ability to foster a collaborative environment.
Ability to respond promptly and effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to translate a vision into concrete business plans and strategies.
Experience driving effective team behaviors to achieve optimal outcomes.
Ability to identify opportunities to drive change and challenge the status quo to improve the organization.
Track record of taking appropriate risks and using failure as a learning opportunity.
High ethical standards and expectation that others in the organization uphold them.
Ability to establish and develop long-standing relationships.
Authorization to work in the United States without requiring current or future visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Field Regional VPs on personnel management of Regional Managers and profit center staff.
Underwrite and manage complex Contract and Specialty Surety risks.
Manage and assist assigned regional offices in executing underwriting strategy, risk appetite, portfolio management, and profitability goals, including premium, loss ratio, new business, commissions, and retention.
Assist in developing underwriting guidelines.
Collaborate on planning and policy-making committees.
Establish and manage short- and long-range goals and objectives for assigned regions.
Perform personnel management functions for assigned Home Office underwriting staff.
Assist in preparing the annual budget for the Home Office Contract and Specialty Surety Divisions and Regional Profit Centers.
Assist Regional Managers in developing strategic plans to identify business opportunities that support company-wide business plans.
Collaborate with Field Operations RVPs to provide training and direction to Regional Managers and profit center staff.
Assist in planning, developing, and implementing automated underwriting and support systems.
Partner with Field Operations RVPs to review marketing plans and determine appropriate Home Office visibility to support agency and principal relationships.
Maintain knowledge of developments in the surety and agency industries and in the industries of principals receiving suretyship.
Respond effectively and consistently to regional offices and agents, with prompt and knowledgeable handling of accounts.
Participate in industry functions to increase company visibility in the marketplace.
Perform other job-related duties as required.