VP, Underwriting - Excess Casualty

Berkley•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The VP, Underwriting - Excess Casualty is a production-oriented underwriting position responsible for all aspects of growing and managing a profitable book of excess casualty business. Success comes from a dedication to the underwriting trade and a long-term approach to every aspect of the business, including relationship and risk management discipline. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full-time regular employees. This role is eligible to participate in the annual discretionary bonus program.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from a four-year college or university; or 5-7 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be a successful, production oriented, excess casualty underwriting executive with strong go-to relationships within the wholesale brokerage channel.
Demonstrated success within a matrix reporting environment: the ability to lead and influence across the organization by virtue of your ability to produce high quality business.
Strong technical knowledge of excess casualty underwriting theories and practices, broad understanding of the specialty insurance market and operations (Risk Control, Actuarial, Claim, Finance and Compliance).
Established network of wholesale brokers ready to work with you and find creative solutions.
Strong independent initiative and drive for high quality results
Ability and desire to effectively interact and communicate with all levels of external and/or internal business partners – this will be a highly visible role.
Demonstrated success building consensus and influencing business partners.
Strong natural presentation, leadership, and project management skills.
Unwavering demonstration of integrity, respect and professionalism.
Ability to drive results by identifying and resolving issues, as well as developing and executing strategies for taking advantage of opportunities.
Well-defined analytical skills and data analysis ability.

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a high-quality excess casualty insurance portfolio working through your network of wholesale broker partners.
Leverage your network of industry relationships and grow portfolio utilizing Berkley Custom’s proprietary playbook and broad underwriting appetite.
Ensures the achievement of continued improved profitability, growth and/or operational efficiencies for the portfolio through assessment of risk tolerance, market appetite and emerging risk issues.
Determines the acceptability, quality and profitability of new and existing business based on company underwriting guidelines and objectives.
Develop insurance proposals, prepare policies and endorsements, obtain required underwriting approvals where needed.
Travel to conduct broker marketing meetings and attend industry events as determined by management.
Contribute to the firmwide development of underwriting operations, marketing plans, product analysis, services, geographic focus and broker intelligence.
Effectively communicate and collaborate with other leaders with Berkley Custom to broaden knowledge of trends, opportunities, and technical knowledge of pricing.