Job Description

Company Details

Rated Best Places to Work 2020 by Business Insurance

Continental Western Group is a regional property casualty insurance company offering commercial products and services through independent agents in the Midwest. CWG offers unique value through the service provided by our experienced group of employees and independent agents. Since 1886 - Strong, Local and Trusted.

As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver quality coverage solutions. W. R. Berkley Corporation, and all member insurance companies, are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, and carry Standard & Poors Financial Rating of A+ (Strong).

Responsibilities

The Commercial Underwriting Director/Manager is responsible for effectively managing the Agribusiness commercial underwriting function and staff. Drives profitable underwriting results and managed growth through leadership, development and engagement.

* Assists in development and implementation of macro (regional and enterprise) as well as micro (state, city, rural area, agent level) strategies for driving long term success in agribusiness, middle market and/or small commercial property and casualty across all major lines of business.
* Manages an assigned commercial underwriting function and staff through delegation of underwriting authority. Ensures adherence to Letter of Authority and other 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 Home Office Underwriting on risk acceptability, coverages, pricing, terms and conditions.
* 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 Home Office Underwriting, as needed, based on established guidelines.
* Develops a high performing team of Agribusiness, Middle Market and/or Small Commercial Underwriting professionals through leadership acumen and execution. Demonstrates genuine care and delivers 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 organizations success by developing business unit and individual performance goals and measuring results. Provides recognition and acknowledgement of key achievements.
* Engages agency partners through selective travel, involvement in distribution related events, and correspondence on key accounts. Contributes leadership and oversight of the selection and management of the distribution plant of independent agencies.
* Conducts quarterly underwriting file quality reviews and shares results with the Regional Manager. Develops and implements action plans in response to file quality reviews.
* Monitors and reports on key performance indicators for the portfolio related to pipelines, quotes, new business, total book of business, mix of business, retention, loss performance, and rate attainment.
* Partners with leaders in other business units (Home Office Underwriting, Claims, Risk Services, Customer Experience, IT, Analytics) on continued growth in effectiveness of critical business processes and products.

Qualifications

Ten

* Ten plus years of commercial lines underwriting experience. Supervisory or management experience strongly desired. Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
* Well rounded experience and an in-depth knowledge of Commercial Insurance programs, policies, practices, coverages, forms, underwriting strategies. Working knowledge of and experience in reinsurance placements and procedures.