We are looking for a strategic leader who is prepared to continue the significant growth that the Southwest Region has enjoyed from the Austin branch.  Austin has been one of the fastest growing offices for CI nearly doubling GWP in three years.  

Responsibilities:

Responsible for the profit, growth and fostering of internal and external relationships for Commercial Insurance.  The Austin branch Commercial Insurance GWP is $60 million wtih a mix of business including Manufacturing, Energy, Financial Institutions, and more.  The geographic scope of the role includes distribution partners in 12+ cities around Texas such as Amarillo, El Paso, Midland, Odessa, and San Antonio.  The role relies on a mix of five direct reports and the cored resources around the Southwest.  The manager is responsible for hiring, retention, performance management, compensation and technical training and coaching and development for underwriting staff.  

Specific responsibilities include:

§  P&L - Accountability (premium, profitability, growth, retention, and expense plans/results) for Commercial Insurance P&C business.  Strong focus on growing the Lower Middle Market Portfolio, as well as our highest margin segments including Technology and Life Sciences. 

§  Portfolio Management/LOB - Direct profit and loss responsibility for field business; coordination, agency management, and production responsibility across CI product portfolio.

§  Underwriting Strategy Execution - Manages execution of new and renewal underwriting strategy for local underwriters and in tandem with remote resources.

§  Technical UW/Referral Resource - In collaboration with Product, serves as technical resource for referrals and underwriting authority. Point of contact for branch risks which fall outside of field authority; coordinate efforts with Home Office/Product and Segment leaders.

§  Corporate Underwriting Audit - Monitors underwriting quality and achieve Satisfactory score with underwriting authority violation below the allowed threshold.

§  Marketplace Focus - Develop opportunities particular to the local marketplace and provide customized approaches on market conditions and broker / agency needs. 

§  Marketing Strategy and Execution - Works closely with Field Operations on development and execution of marketing strategy and coordinates marketing and production activities within assigned branch(es) for entire portfolio of  CI business.

§  Business Development - Directs business development activities and provides guidance for implementing sales and/or product launches with particular emphasis on Benchmarq.

§  Producer Management: -Primary responsibility for managing regional/local producer plant; responsible for cohesive and consistent agency management strategies across assigned locations. Facilitates product education/appetite; serves as point person for key local producer relationships.

§  Expense Administration – Collaborate with Southwest Regional manager and WHS to ensure effective expense administration for assigned branches.

§  Staff Development and Staff Administration (including Performance Management and Compensation) 

§ Accountable for new hire onboarding, training and developing, succession planning, culture of inclusion, coaching and mentoring and retention of staff.  Ensure effective deployment of staff for assigned locations; maintain mentoring / succession relationship with several High Potential Senior Underwriters and Team Leaders within assigned locations. Oversee workflows, staffing resources, and appropriate application of technology to ensure efficient, cost-effective field operation.  Collaborate with HR on performance management and compensation process.

§ Maintain an active pipeline of underwriting talent in the marketplace

§  Five+ years Middle Market/Multi-line underwriting experience with a strong understanding of P&C lines of business, industry practices, products and appetite

§  Strong understanding of field distribution plant (broker, regional, independent agents)

§  Strong people management skills

§  Strong technical/underwriting leadership skills to manage a team of multiline commercial underwriters

§  Advanced marketing and sales skills

§  Builds Strategic Relationships

§  Drives Customer Focus

§  Demonstrates Agility

§  Drives Execution

§  Exerts Operational Decision Making

§  Exhibits Skillful Communication