Regional Underwriting Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Arizona, +3 more states.

📋 Description

• Leads and oversees the regional underwriting process.

• Enforces the guidelines and procedures set by the Corporate Office Underwriting.

• Develops and enforces underwriting guidelines and procedures tailored to the region.

• Models effective underwriting practices for individual accounts across all lines of business and various classes.

• Establishes and implements strategies to tackle profitability challenges, communicating these strategies throughout the underwriting department.

• Addresses questions and provides recommendations for complex scenarios, including difficult accounts, communication strategies, or problematic agency relationships, while explaining the rationale behind these recommendations.

• Monitors business outcomes to ensure that underwriters operate within authority limits, guidelines, and regional service directives while aligning price with quality across the book of business to meet rate goals.

• Acts as the subject matter expert for the region, making final decisions on complex or high-risk accounts.

• Reviews updates from the Corporate Office Underwriting and communicates changes to the team.

• Oversees and directs the underwriting department team, focusing on both long-term and short-term success.

• Collaborates with team members to set performance goals, monitors progress, conducts reviews, and provides coaching.

• Conducts interviews, hires, and recommends salary adjustments for team members.

• Resolves disciplinary issues, reviews outcomes, action plans, and progress.

• Organizes and plans educational opportunities for the underwriting team, including presenting training results.

• Develops team expertise and completes succession planning, including identifying talent and implementing development plans for key positions.

• Supports initiatives for diversity and inclusion.

• Fosters a culture of innovation by supporting new ideas and providing guidance on potential changes.

• Collaborates closely with the region's Human Resources Business Partner Manager to identify training needs for the department and individuals, ensuring delivery.

• Partners with Underwriting Supervisors to oversee workloads and workflow processes, ensuring branch objectives are met.

• Directs existing agency relationships and develops new ones to grow profitable partnerships while rehabilitating unprofitable and low-growth relationships.

• Engages with and educates agents to enhance their understanding of EMC products, underwriting appetite, systems, and services to generate quality new business opportunities.

• Delivers impactful presentations to existing and prospective agents, as well as agent associations, to enhance EMC’s brand and agents' impressions of EMC.

• Monitors the progress of underwriters with assigned agents, guiding them in achieving annual goals.

• Seeks feedback from agents and takes actions to improve their experience, underwriting responsiveness, and grow profitable books of business.

• Collaborates with the Branch Vice President to determine underwriting strategy and practices, establishing short-term and long-term goals.

• Participates in the region's 3-year plan, leading discussions on underwriting trends and their implications on profitability.

• Analyzes insurance trends in the operating area and industry regarding general coverages, rates, and market conditions to identify profitable segments for growth.

• Coordinates with other regional teams, including claims, marketing, premium audit, and risk improvement, to identify and address improvement opportunities and drive profitable growth while mitigating threats to profit.

• Conducts audits on new business and renewals for compliance with Sarbanes Oxley, letters of authority, and the quality and completeness of underwriting performed in the region.

• Analyzes company reports and experience data to determine and implement necessary adjustments in regional underwriting policies and practices.

• Coordinates with underwriters, marketing, and region management in the agency management process, including planning and agency review meetings.

• Identifies opportunities and potential barriers within agency relationships.

• Develops strategies and delegates tasks to team members to address challenging agencies and cultivate profitable business with high-performing agencies.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in insurance or business administration, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Ten years of experience in commercial lines underwriting.

• Previous supervisory or leadership experience.

• CPCU designation or other underwriting-related designations preferred.

• Extensive knowledge of underwriting and risk analysis.

• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and sound decision-making skills.

• Strong computer proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office and social media.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and make decisions under pressure.

• Excellent skill in translating technical concepts into general terms for business clients.

• Ability to explore new processes, services, technologies, and partnerships to enhance EMC’s business.

• Superior written and verbal communication abilities.

• Strong leadership skills with the capability to motivate a team.

• Excellent communication skills regarding products, procedures, business planning, and system information.

• Exceptional customer service skills.

• Ability to speak effectively in front of groups.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including life, medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

• Competitive paid time off plan along with a full day of volunteer time off each year.

• Financial incentives such as a 401(k) plan match, pension plan, OneEMC bonus plan, and recognition and anniversary awards.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth, including tuition reimbursement.

• Wellness initiatives aimed at enhancing team member well-being and reducing health insurance costs.

• Flexibility in dress code and opportunities for alternative work arrangements.