AVP, Underwriting

Role Overview

• Oversees underwriting operations of the branch/office and any remotely located individual(s) that reports into that office/branch.
• Incumbent is a key contributor in marketing the Company and its products and in Agency management.
• Positions Zenith as the expert in Workers’ Compensation.
• Executes disciplined risk consideration and assumption within a growth mindset.
• Engage with and position our underwriting discipline and value proposition to external customers (agents and policyholders) to enable growth.
• Works with Branch Manager to set strategic underwriting direction.
• Holds management meetings to discuss vision and goals.
• Achieves planned results through decisions and actions based on professional methods, business principles, and practical experience.
• Creates an environment within the branch offices that supports collaboration, teamwork, growth and innovation.
• Uses operational audits and yearly compliance audits to gauge performance of branch and individuals.
• Will recommend or make decisions regarding existing or new programs that have a significant impact on operations and carry potential consequences if unsuccessful.
• Works collaboratively with management from other disciplines and other offices to solve problems.
• Removes obstacles.
• Provides feedback to branch management staff.
• Supports local training and establishes training protocols for the office.
• May work with Underwriting Technical Director to develop technical training courses.
• Has highest level of underwriting authority in the Branch.
• People Leader: Schedules and conducts all employee meetings to discuss operational issues and direction.
• Will interview technical job candidates before they are hires to make sure they possesses appropriate qualifications and experience.
• Provides on-going performance feedback to direct reports.
• Provides coaching and development when and where appropriate.
• Works with manager(s)/supervisor(s) on performance improvement plans or personal issues when needed.
• Conducts annual performance reviews for direct reports and contributes to reviews for downstream staff as needed.
• Salary administration and review of sign offs.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of training/experience required
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of training/experience required
• 7-10+ years of progressively complex commercial lines underwriting experience
• Prior branch-level underwriting management experience preferred
• Prior staff supervisory/leadership experience required
• Expert level understanding of Zenith’s underwriting philosophy and standard industry procedure
• Expert knowledge of workers’ compensation policy rules
• Work experience demonstrating ability to champion change
• Ability to create and present a clear focused message to all constituents
• Comfortable in front of groups and able to handle questions/controversy
• Expert listener and problem-solver
• Highly skilled in building business information, disseminating it, and sharing with senior management
• Expert in workers' compensation underwriting
• Strong oral and written communications skills used to explain, teach, and document
• Strong reading and math skills
• PC literacy required.
• Data analysis skill to determine appropriate workloads and strategies for peak periods
• Strong presentation and listening skills
• Driver License in good standing.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D and Disability Insurance
• 401(k), Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Education and Training Reimbursement
• Paid Leave: 3 weeks/year
• Vacation, 2 weeks/year
• Sick Leave
• 10 paid Company Holidays, 2 Personal Days, 2 Floating Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)