Underwriting Manager

Description

Job Title: Underwriting Manager

Department: Underwriting

Reports to: Director of Underwriting

Position Summary:

The Underwriting Manager ensures consistent application of the company’s risk appetite across the underwriting unit and serves as a technical and underwriting authority for department staff. Working closely with the Director of Underwriting, this position identifies and implements programs that expand business opportunities, strengthen customer service, and advance innovation. The manager oversees assigned underwriting teams, establishes workload and workflow priorities, monitors production, and supports staffing adequacy and achievement of service standards and departmental objectives. The position also supports the Director in overseeing and developing short- and long-term underwriting projects, strategic initiatives, and organizational goals.

Essential Functions: 

• Manages department workflow and monitors daily productivity to ensure proper controls and procedures are documented, maintained and followed.
• Actively participates in recruitment, training and development of support staff.
• Manages staff, tracking performance of each staff member through evaluation of individual production results and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Conducts regular and systematic quality control audits for each assigned staff member.
• Provides authoritative guidance to line staff on complex accounts and issues.
• Actively participates in analyzing the overall book of business across portfolios and account sizes, identifying opportunities for improvement and business development through innovative underwriting programs.
• Provides oversight and strategic guidance for innovative technology projects that enhance underwriting operations, improve efficiency and support business objectives.
• Supports and perpetuates the department's emphasis on agency relations to meet sales objectives.
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations impacting policy contracts and communicates these standards to staff and affected departments.
• Maintains good relationships with agents, insureds, regulatory personnel and company teams.

Requirements

Job Qualifications

Education: 

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in a business-related field.

Experience: 

At least seven years of property and casualty insurance underwriting experience, including at least two years in a leadership or management role with responsibility for technology initiatives and related projects.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of underwriting procedures and policy life cycle.
• Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing statistical data and identifying trends from data.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, lead teams and mentor staff.
• Ability to comprehend and apply guidelines, rules, and statutes from a variety of manuals. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, etc.: 

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 
• CPCU or AU designation preferred.

Values and Mission:

Adheres to New Mexico Mutual’s values and mission by demonstrating Service Excellence, Trust, Ownership, One Team and Boldness in thought and action.

Positive Attitude:

Develops and maintains positive working relationships with team members, customers, co-workers and management by demonstrating effective communication and collaborative skills.

Working Conditions:

• NEW MEXICO MUTUAL maintains general office conditions with light physical demands. 
• Employees of NEW MEXICO MUTUAL adhere to all safety rules and regulations including building security.
• Employees participate in ensuring safe and efficient operating conditions that safeguard employees and facilities.
• NEW MEXICO MUTUAL maintains a drug free environment, drug testing prior to employment as well as upon a work-related accident.
• Exposure to VDT screens.