Berkley Southwest offers commercial property and casualty products and services through independent agents in Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. We maintain a strong local presence in each of our markets, keeping underwriting and support close to the customer.

 

Now more than ever, financial strength is critical to a successful, long term insurance relationship. Berkley Southwest is a member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, whose insurance company subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.

 

The company is an equal opportunity employer.  #LI-AV1 #LI-Hybrid

 

As an AVP, Commercial Lines Underwriting, you will provide leadership in the development, marketing and profitable growth of commercial lines underwriting throughout our territory.  You will contribute to company profit and growth objectives by making decisions regarding the acceptability of risks we write through establishing controls and guidelines.  We'll also trust you with frequent detailed analysis of the book of business for adjustments and support in maintaining profitable agency relationships. 

 

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:

• People Leadership- Executing departmental and individual staff goals, measuring results, rewarding achievement and coaching as necessary to achieve our financial goals. Provide direction and training to commercial lines underwriting staff, including sales representatives, to develop both profitable commercial lines business volume and adequate flow of submissions.  Recruit, develop and retain employees; plan, assign and direct work; appraise performance; reward and mentor employees as well as resolve problems. Aid in underwriting of difficult, complex accounts and resolves issues beyond the authority level of underwriting staff; establish development plans for individual team members and direct reports.
• Partnership- Develop and maintain positive agency relationships. Travel within the assigned territory to facilitate profitable growth.  Evaluate and manage producer financial performance and relationships to ensure company and agency goals are met.
• Collaboration- Work with Underwriting and Actuarial in product line and pricing reviews.  Assist in the development, implementation and adherence to underwriting letters of authority.  Assess impact of large losses including making recommendations to modify underwriting guidelines/profile as needed.
• Innovation- Work with commercial lines staff and peer managers to determine best workflow processes and methods to ensure production, profitability and service standards are met.
• Accountability- Conduct quality reviews to evaluate proper file documentation and to ensure compliance standards are met. Review and monitor underwriting policies and submissions to ensure underwriting standards and performance objectives are met. Create learning opportunities/corrective action as issues are discovered.
• Learning Mindset- Maintain current knowledge of the regulatory environment (state/federal rules and regulations) pertaining to the industry; exhibit desire to continue education in the insurance field. Pursuit of continuing education by participating in industry sponsored and company sponsored educational courses.
• Leveraging Data- Analyze and interpret data to manage profit, loss, growth, rate and retention results for assigned territory.

• Bachelor's degree in insurance or related field

• 3+ years commercial lines management and/or marketing experience or equivalent industry experience

• Demonstrated ability to coach and lead others

• Demonstrated ability to develop a profitable commercial lines book of business

• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of employees and management

• Consistently demonstrate WRBC Leadership Competencies and Innovation Behaviors
• Aligns and practices our C.A.R.I.N.G. Values (Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Nurturing Growth, Generosity)

 

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external 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 not Offered for this Role