Careers

Commercial Lines Vice President of Underwriting
Chicago, IL

Confidential Search Assignment:

This role will require relocation to the home office, which is not in Chicago, IL

•             Provides strategic direction and leadership to the Underwriting staff.  Leads change by communicating vision and gaining commitment of staff.
Oversees book of business within region and identifies market opportunities by analyzing competitor intelligence, market and industry research, loss ratios, mix of business, policy count, premium growth, hit ratios and business retention.
•             Partners with Chief Underwriting Officer and Home Office Underwriting staff on product and pricing revisions to drive profitable growth. 
•             Develop, implement, and maintain authority statements. Drafting of authority for other department managers and any relevant relationships.
•             Oversees the development, maintenance, and adherence to underwriting guidelines.
•             Partners with Vice President of Sales and Vice President of Marketing to identify, appoints, evaluate, and manage agency relationships to ensure partnerships with quality agents.
•             Attracts, coaches, and develops talent to ensure a staff capable of carrying out business strategies while also enhancing Client Company’s bench strength.
•             Conduct audits for quality control and conduct training where needed.
•             Participates in the company’s annual operating and long-term strategic planning process. Collaborates with the senior leader team to evaluate results, establish a future vision; and develop strategic plans, actions, and success metrics.  
•             Drives expense control and efficiency throughout regional operation. Collaborates with business units to establish and manage budgets and resources including explaining variances and related reporting.
•             Interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems in accordance with company policies, goals and applicable laws
•             Travels within the assigned territory to facilitate profitable growth of commercial lines volume.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university. 
Ten plus years of progressive work experience in underwriting and underwriting leadership showing a clear track record of success. 
Multi-line commercial lines experience, including Workers Compensation, is desired. 
Experience in profit and loss leadership. 
Strategic understanding of the changing business environment and how to adapt the company’s approach to achieve success.
A broad understanding of the competitive environment for commercial lines
Strong Business and Financial Acumen
Proven track record of establishing goals, accountability for the team and adjusting where needed.
Ability to drive data analytics and make appropriate correlations on results throughout the region.
Proven leadership skills including coaching and mentoring, recruiting and staffing, and professional education and development.