Underwriting Manager - Small Commercial

Underwriting Manager - Small Commercial

The Underwriting Manager - Small Commercial leads an assigned Commercial Lines Underwriting team. Responsible for profitability, growth and retention of new and renewal business.

Responsibilities include managing an assigned commercial underwriting function and staff through delegation of underwriting authority, ensuring adherence to underwriting standards and guidelines. Monitors the risk acceptability, pricing adequacy and classification accuracy of accounts to ensure profitability and managed growth of business. Consults with underwriters and Corporate Underwriting on risk acceptability, coverages, pricing, terms and conditions. Ensures quality of risk through passing audit scores for the team. Underwrites accounts exceeding authority level of underwriting staff by analyzing applications, risk services reports, Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs), financial reports, etc. Determines accurate classification of business, policy contract forms and pricing of risk. Refers accounts to Corporate Underwriting, as needed, based on established guidelines. Hires, trains, and develops a high performing team of Small Commercial Underwriting professionals through leadership acumen and execution. Demonstrates genuine care and delivers daily coaching to staff and leaders in order to further develop their skills set and performance for current and future roles. Provides frequent and specific constructive feedback on a regular basis. Contributes to the organization's success by developing business unit and individual performance goals and measuring results. Provides recognition and acknowledgement of key achievements. Conducts quarterly underwriting file quality reviews and shares results with the Small Commercial Segment Leader and corporate underwriting. Develops and implements action plans in response to file quality reviews. Monitors service levels associated with new business opportunities, renewal issuance, and endorsements. Participates on projects and initiatives as assigned by senior leadership. Utilizes an innovative, problem-solving approach with all situations challenging the status quo and elevating messages as needed, even when difficult. Coaches to sales commitments, and develops employee development plans for all direct reports. Reviews claims activity, loss control surveys, and inspection reports for compliance with existing policies. Provides support to ensure accurate and timely servicing of accounts. Collaborates with other departments to resolve policy issues and adherence to service standards. Researches, formulates and implements solutions for complex issues and accounts. Assists Underwriters in determining final coverages and pricing for commercial risks within assigned authority level. Proactively works to coach underwriters in the art of agency relationships creating clarity around agency segmentation, coaching to initial conversations, retention, follow-up, all with a focus on long-term profitability and growth. Helps underwriters understand expectations around knowing, contacting, and deepening relationships with key producers. Mentors less experienced underwriters and serves as a resource for others within the department as needed. Successfully builds, manages and executes a New Business Pipeline for self as well helping assigned underwriters build, manage, and successfully execute a New Business Pipeline. Understands and communicates Berkley Mid-Atlantic's strategic plan, tying into the department and building into employee development plans. Periodically reviews and refines underwriting best practices as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Travel as necessary.

Qualifications include 7+ years' relevant experience in Commercial Lines Underwriting. Knowledge of underwriting processes, coverages, and tools to gather and evaluate information in order to reach appropriate decisions on renewals and new business. Demonstrated understanding of pricing components and rating methodology. Proven ability to interact and communicate with all levels of internal colleagues and external business partners. Track record of delivering accurate results consistently meeting deadlines. Strong problem-solving ability; reasoning and judgment / decision-making skills. Demonstrated ability to listen reflectively and show courage in elevating difficult conversations. Possess AU, ARMS, CIC, CPCU, or other equivalent insurance designation preferred. Well organized, efficient and able to work independently while also able to bring a team together with others in the organization, working collaboratively for the greater good. Ability to handle multiple tasks and efficiently prioritize. Ability to work with others in a cooperative manner. Bachelor's Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint proficiency.