VP, Middle Market Underwriting

WCF Insurance•Sandy, OR

6d•$146,100 - $206,200•Onsite

About The Position

As the Vice President of Middle Market Underwriting, you'll lead underwriting operations across six states, guiding strategy, profitability, and portfolio performance. This role requires deep expertise in Property & Casualty insurance and a strong understanding of the Middle Market segment, including underwriting strategy, portfolio management, agency relationships, and profitable growth. Working through a team of underwriting leaders, you'll help develop talent, strengthen underwriting discipline, and collaborate with business partners to implement initiatives that support WCF's growth and long-term objectives. This is a full-time, exempt position based out of WCF Insurance's Sandy headquarters. This position is open to external and internal candidates. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and candidate qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
At least eight years of Property & Casualty commercial lines underwriting experience; leadership of middle market underwriting operations preferred.
At least three years of insurance company leadership experience.
Proven success managing underwriting profitability, portfolio performance, and multi-state operations.
Strong knowledge of property and causality underwriting, rating, regulations, products, market conditions, insurance company operations and finance.
Excellent in implementing underwriting strategies, authority structures, operational improvements, and technology initiatives.
Strong relationship building skills at all levels with demonstrated ability to influence and engage stakeholders and translate information into actions plans
Ability to manage vision and purpose, set direction aligned with company strategy and lead the business unit with innovative and creative thinking.
Experience with performance metrics and measures, customer assessment, cost/benefit analysis, benchmarking and problem identification.
Demonstrated experience leading leaders, developing talent, and building organizational bench strength.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or CPCU, CIC, CRIS designation strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead Middle Market underwriting operations and achieving growth, profitability, retention, and combined ratio goals.
Own the Middle Market profit and loss, underwriting strategy, and operating plan across assigned territories.
Oversee and develop underwriting teams to achieve department and company initiatives and strategy.
Attract and retain quality business to achieve loss, retention, profit, growth and combined ratio targets.
Implementing underwriting guidelines, authority levels, policies, procedures, and audit processes.
Analyze data to understand trends, progress to goals, underwriter book management and improvement opportunities.
Developing a culture that is customer focused and embraces innovation.
Approve underwriting decisions exceeding delegated authority and provide oversight on complex accounts.
Analyze portfolio performance, underwriting results, and market trends to identify opportunities and risks.
Partner with Sales, Product, IT, and other departments to execute strategic priorities.
Support rate and form filings, product development, and underwriting innovation.
Build strong relationships with agents, policyholders, and key industry partners.
Own business results and hold leaders accountable for performance.
Use data and performance metrics to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
Create a culture focused on customer service, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Align business unit priorities with WCF's enterprise strategy.
Effectively lead organizational change and support business growth.
Develop successors and strengthen leadership bench strength.
Create and maintain strong positive working relationships with other departments to achieve company goals.