Homeoffice Underwriting Manager - Specialty Property bei UFG Insurance

This role is responsible for leading the Specialty Underwriting staff, directing and assisting in meeting production and loss ratio goals, and increasing the underwriting knowledge of staff members.  Through a supportive and constructive environment, the manager provides guidance to direct reports by offering training, support, file audits & approvals. This position will provide assistance to other underwriting teams as well.  In addition, it is expected that the manager will work more closely with senior leadership on special projects.  This role will also continue to plan and conduct marketing visits with brokers to maintain and build on relationships while also addressing premium growth and acceptable loss ratios.

Responsibilities:

• Underwriting Management
  • Develop and implement underwriting standards and procedures to improve and enhance profitability.
  • Provide subject matter expertise and advisory support to underwriting teams for complex referrals or unusual market developments.
  • Review and analyze underwriting results to evaluate department performance.
  • Audit underwriting files to monitor quality of underwriting.
  • Coordinate and assist in production, underwriting activities, training, mentoring and workflow for all team members.
  • Coordinate maintenance of rates, rules, and forms, including gathering and analyzing information.
  • Assist underwriters to manage their territories to optimize growth while maintaining underwriting discipline to keep loss ratios at profitable levels.
  • Contribute to the discussion of the annual budget plan and continued profitability of Specialty.
  • Independently underwrite complex and large submissions and existing accounts. Gather information regarding financial status, credit standing, and organization profile to evaluate and recommend acceptability of advanced risks within framework of Specialty underwriting policies and procedures. 

• Team Management Coaching and Training
  • Review and sign off on file referrals for underwriting staff.
  • Participate in regular 1:1 meetings with each team member.
  • Recommend salary recommendations and promotions.
  • Monitor team performance, develop coaching and development plans.
  • Document and discuss performance related matters.
  • Develop and facilitate training sessions per branch needs including Underwriter Trainee program.
  • Interview and select new team members.

• Broker Management/Marketing
  • Coordinate and assist in broker relations including broker review and implementation of strategic plan.
  • Develop and implement individual business plans for key brokers.
  • Assist in identification of new production sources.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Risk Management, Finance, or Economics preferred.

Certifications/Designations:

• Employees are expected to participate in continuing education throughout their careers.
• Certified or working towards CPCU designation preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in Excess & Surplus lines underwriting.
• 5+ years of experience indirectly leading, mentoring, and guiding other staff members.
• 5+ years of experience directly managing employees preferred.

Working Conditions:

• General Office Environment.
• Up to 35% of travel is required to broker visits. Overnight trips included.
• May be exposed to weather conditions and resulting environmental conditions during visits of job sites.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Leader with a strategic mindset and demonstrated relationship-building ability that provides direction for the underwriting operations.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in evaluating large and complex underwriting risks.
• Strong communication, leadership and negotiating skills
• Strong planning and organization skills with the ability to multi-task; and a willingness to accept challenges and take appropriate risks
• Ability to handle large workload and prioritize to meet deadlines
• Promote a positive and professional image and develop productive relationships with coworkers and agents
• Demonstrate an open-minded, collaborative work style
• Strong risk evaluation skills and solid insurance contract knowledge.
• Affinity for detailed accuracy.
• Ability to teach others and monitor their development.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial analysis.
• Strong understanding of contract language.
• Strong knowledge of E&S rates and practices.
• Strong knowledge of Specialty Division marketing appetite preferred.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Additional tasks and requirements may be assigned, as necessitated by business need. UFG retains the right to modify the description of this job at any time.