AVP, Risk Services

Company Details

Continental Western Group (CWG) is a regional property casualty insurance company offering commercial products and services through independent agents in the Midwest. Since 1886, our mission has been to provide insurance solutions that make a difference.CWG’s culture is one where our team members feel valued, supported, and inspired to make a difference every day. Here, teams contribute to impactful work, have great growth opportunities, and enjoy our collaborative community. Since 2020, CWG has been named a Best Place to Work in Insurance every year they have participated.As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver high-quality coverage solutions. W. R. Berkley Corporation and all member insurance companies are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and carry a Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating of A+ (Strong).

 

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspectives. CWG is committed to ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging in the workplace. 

 #LI-AV1 #LI-HYBRID

 

Responsibilities

Lead. Influence. Protect. Grow.

 

Are you a strategic risk management leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, strengthening client relationships, and driving business results?

 

We're seeking an Assistant Vice President, Risk Services to lead a dynamic Risk Services organization and serve as a key partner to underwriting, claims, agencies, and policyholders.

 

In this highly visible leadership role, you'll shape the future of Risk Services by delivering innovative, value-driven risk management solutions, fostering a client-first culture, and helping drive underwriting profitability, customer retention, and long-term business success.

 

As the AVP, Risk Services, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Risk Services function while ensuring exceptional service delivery and technical excellence.

 

This role will be based in our Urbandale, IA office.  We offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so.

 

What you can expect:

• Culture of innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent
• Internal mobility opportunities
• Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams
• Opportunity to impact change
• Benefits – competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education

We'll count on you for:

 

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Risk Services professionals and managers.
• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations, salary reviews, and career development planning.
• Monitor workloads, territory assignments, and resource allocation to ensure service consistency and operational efficiency.
• Establish individual and departmental goals, measure results, and recognize achievement.

Strategic & Operational Excellence

• Develop and execute Risk Services strategies aligned with enterprise goals and business priorities.
• Oversee departmental performance, service levels, turnaround times, and quality standards.
• Create and enhance policies, procedures, productivity metrics, and operational processes.
• Manage the annual department budget and provide ongoing performance reporting to senior leadership.
• Deliver executive-level reporting, including risk assessment insights and business recommendations.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging risks, and advancements in technology, including Artificial Intelligence.

Client & Business Partnership

• Champion a client-first service culture across the organization.
• Partner closely with underwriting, claims, and agency teams to improve risk quality, enhance retention, and strengthen customer relationships.
• Build trusted advisory relationships with agents, policyholders, underwriting leaders, and claims partners.
• Promote proactive engagement through risk improvement planning, stewardship meetings, consultative support, and pre-renewal strategies.
• Serve as a strategic advisor by translating complex risk management issues into practical, actionable business solutions.

Risk Management & Service Innovation

• Lead initiatives that improve customer outcomes, reduce losses, and support profitable growth.
• Monitor key performance indicators related to responsiveness, consultation quality, follow-through, timeliness, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Conduct audits and quality reviews to ensure technical excellence and adherence to service standards.
• Drive innovation by identifying emerging risk trends and implementing best practices across the organization.
• Advocate for continuous improvement by gathering feedback from customers, agents, and internal business partners.

Qualifications

What you need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Insurance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Risk Control within the property and casualty insurance industry.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and business operations.
• Demonstrated success leading a technical service organization while maintaining a strong customer-focused approach.
• Strong knowledge of occupational safety and health principles.
• Experience working with agribusiness insurance and agency distribution networks.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive results without direct authority.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to analyze financial and operational data and make strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly.

What makes you stand out:

• Master's degree in a related discipline.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.
• ARM, CPCU, or similar professional insurance designation (completed or in progress).

Additional Company Details

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting agencies or firms. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

Sponsorship Details

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role