AVP, Contract

Company Details

 

Berkley Surety is a highly professional, service-oriented surety underwriting management company, providing a full spectrum of bonds for contract, environmental, and commercial surety accounts through multiple distribution channels in both the United States and Canada. We write on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior). We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our agents. We highly value the insight and expertise our agency partners bring to the table which helps us provide timely and predictable surety solutions.

 

Company URL:  www.berkleysurety.com

Responsibilities

Serves as lead underwriter for assigned field offices as front line for either the commercial or contract departments or both. Underwrites new and renewal business with limited supervision. Supports the Head of Underwriting in balancing the needs to achieve budgeted financial results (premium volume, loss ratio, premium collections and expense management including commissions) with effective price management through sound underwriting practices in an effort to produce profitable results. Serve as lead in Book of Business reviews and assist Head of Underwriting in portfolio management. Positively interacts and collaborates with the field underwriters in assigned territory as well as other critical internal/external business associates.

 

Key Functions/Duties of Position: Describe the overall job responsibilities (including any decision-making authority) for this position.

• Provide approvals, with conditions as necessary, or declinations within prescribed authority limits in a timely and understandable manner consistent with BSG guidelines and goals. Make recommendations to Head of Underwriting on a course of action for approval or declination as well as overall policy positions and underwriting guidelines.
• Review and underwrite new and renewal business from assigned field offices in the primary line of business Analyze submitted data, determine and obtain additional information when needed. Make decisions on approvals/declinations within prescribed authority limits. On accounts or bond requests over authority limits provide recommendations on course of action in a concise and timely manner.
• Effectively communicates recommendations and decisions with confidence, clear communication, good listening skills, professionalism, and empathy with the goal to be a trusted adviser and valued partner to all parties.
• Plans and executes regular travel to develop and enhance new and existing producer and account relationships. Visits new and existing accounts; prepares and shares meeting agendas, obtains follow up documentation, evaluates the accounts for appropriate action.
• Interact and collaborate with assigned field offices, Home Office colleagues, reinsurers and other critical business associates. Maintain and manage workflow, including effective communications, with assigned field office meeting all company standards and expectations.
• Participate in BSG senior management decisions as respects developing or improving underwriting procedures, guidelines and policy.
• Effectively evaluates bond forms and other relevant documents in an effort to assess risk.
• Keeps Head of Underwriting apprised of issues of importance to BSG.
• Submit Special Acceptance requests to reinsurers for large capacity accounts.
• Develop and train other team members such as Sr. Underwriters, Underwriters, Associates Underwriters and Trainees as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Position involves a high degree of analytical and communication skills with the capacity to communicate this knowledge and expertise to others within BSG.
• Is considered and expert in their ability to read, analyze, discuss and interpret financial statements, bond forms, supporting documents, and government regulations and reach appropriate risk assessment conclusions.
• Provides well developed reasons for approvals/declinations as well as recommendations in support of new and existing accounts and specific bond needs over granted authority limits.
• Communicate difficult decisions/positions in the face of counter positions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to write clear and effective reports and business correspondence so that others will clearly understand the content and the intent.
• Ability to solve practical problems and appropriately deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Organize and adjust workflow to adapt to periods of high activity and demands with the ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Self-motivation and an out-going orientation with strong customer focus
• Provide coaching, mentoring and leadership to others.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of automation tools provided by BSG (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes, U/W System, etc.)

Education Requirement:

• Minimum 4-year degree or related industry experience
• Business/Finance/Accounting Majors preferred, but not required
• 10 years of Surety industry or related experience required
• Prior experience in a branch or field office management is suggested.

Additional Company Details

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Important Outside Agency Notice: Only solicited resumes/candidate profiles that are submitted by a Berkley Preferred Agency Partner that have been requested by Berkley Internal Recruiting to engage in a particular search will be subject to the payment of Agency fees as defined in the formal agency agreement. Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles are not subject to payment of the agency fees. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees. Base salary & Benefits include Health, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, paid time off, 401(k) and profit-sharing plans. Salary Range: $230k - $270k 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.