Rated Best Places to Work 2020, 2022 and 2024 by Business Insurance, Continental Western Group is a regional property casualty insurance company offering commercial products and services through independent agents in the Midwest. CWG provides unique value through the service provided by our experienced group of employees and independent agents. Since 1886 - Strong, Local and Trusted.

 

As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver quality coverage solutions.  W. R. Berkley Corporation, and all member insurance companies, are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and carry Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating of A+ (Strong). 

 

This role would ideally be based in one of our three offices where we offer a hybrid work schedule with four days in the office; and one day remote where it makes sense to do so.  

• Urbandale, IA
• Lincoln, NE
• Luverne, MN 

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.   #LI-LD1 #LI-Remote

 

As a Commercial Underwriting Manager, you will be responsible for effectively managing an assigned commercial underwriting function and staff as well as driving profitable underwriting results, managed growth through leadership, development and engagement.  

 

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 to:

• Directly supervise Commercial Underwriters and responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. 
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. 
  Responsibilities include:
  • Interviewing, hiring, and training employees;
  • Planning, assigning, and directing work;
  • Pppraising performance;
  • Rewarding and disciplining employees;
  • Addressing complaints and resolving problems
• Assist in the development and implementation of macro (regional and enterprise) as well as micro (state, city, rural area, agent level) strategies for driving long-term success in agribusiness, middle market, and/or small commercial property and casualty across all major lines of business.
• Manage an assigned commercial underwriting function and staff through delegation of underwriting authority. Ensure adherence to Letter of Authority and other Underwriting standards and guidelines.
• Monitor the risk acceptability, pricing adequacy and classification accuracy of accounts to ensure profitability and managed growth of business. Consult with underwriters and Home Office Underwriting on risk acceptability, coverages, pricing, terms and conditions.
• Underwrite accounts exceeding authority level of underwriting staff by analyzing applications, risk services reports, Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs), financial reports, etc.  Determine accurate classification of business, policy contract forms and pricing of risk; refer accounts to Home Office Underwriting, as needed, based on established guidelines.
• Develop a high performing team of Agribusiness, Middle Market and/or Small Commercial Underwriting professionals through leadership acumen and execution.
• Demonstrate genuine care and deliver coaching to staff and leaders in order to further develop their skills set and performance for current and future roles.
• Provide frequent and specific constructive feedback on a regular basis.
• Contribute to the organization’s success by developing business unit and individual performance goals and measuring results.  Provide recognition and acknowledgement of key achievements. 
• Engage agency partners through selective travel, involvement in distribution related events, and correspondence on key accounts. Contributes leadership and oversight of the selection and management of the distribution plant of independent agencies.
• Conduct quarterly underwriting file quality reviews and shares results with the Regional Manager.  Develop and implement action plans in response to file quality reviews.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators for the portfolio related to pipelines, quotes, new business, total book of business, mix of business, retention, loss performance, rate attainment, etc.
• Partner with leaders in other business units (Home Office Underwriting, Claims, Risk Services, Customer Experience, IT, Analytics) on continued growth in the effectiveness of critical business processes and products.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

 

 

What you need to have:

• Ten+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience.  Supervisory or management experience strongly desired. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience preferred. 
• Well-rounded experience and an in-depth knowledge of Commercial Insurance programs, policies, practices, coverages, forms underwriting strategies. Working knowledge of and experience in reinsurance placements and procedures.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem analysis, and problem resolution skills at both a strategic and functional level.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with ability to communicate across all levels of the enterprise.
• Demonstrated ability to lead people and influence others to achieve results.
• Previous team leadership experience with an ability and passion for talent development.
• Adjusts rapidly to changing situations in order to respond to a changing business environment or priorities.
• Strong customer orientation.
• Effective organizational, multi-tasking and prioritizing skills.
• Ability to travel and work outside normal work schedule to fulfill responsibilities.
• Regularly and consistently demonstrates commitment to company values and guiding principles. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook. 

 

Licenses/Certifications/Designations

• Valid driver’s license for travel. 
• Completion of or working towards AINS, AU, CPCU or similar designations.

 

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