Home Office, Construction Services Underwriting Director

at Travelers Insurance Company in Springfield, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Who Are We?

Taking care of our customers, our communities and each other. That’s the Travelers Promise. By honoring this commitment, we have maintained our reputation as one of the best property casualty insurers in the industry for over 160 years. Join us to discover a culture that is rooted in innovation and thrives on collaboration. Imagine loving what you do and where you do it.

Job Category

Underwriting

Compensation Overview

The annual base salary range provided for this position is a nationwide market range and represents a broad range of salaries for this role across the country. 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. As part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program, employees are also eligible for performance-based cash incentive awards.

Salary Range

$137,400.00 – $226,800.00

Target Openings

1

What Is the Opportunity?

Solid reputation, passionate people and endless opportunities. That’s Travelers. Our superior financial strength and consistent record of strong operating returns mean security for our customers – and opportunities for our employees. You will find Travelers to be full of energy and a workplace in which you truly can make a difference.

The Bond and Specialty Insurance division of Travelers is seeking an experienced Underwriting Director to join our Home Office in Construction Services. This is a great opportunity to work with some of the largest companies in the world, underwrite complex contracts & obligations, and be on the leading edge of industry innovation and thought leadership. It is also an opportunity to join a successful, dedicated, and collaborative team of underwriters in a highly visible and challenging role. The candidate will have the ability to build a unique and rewarding career at an Industry leader within a highly specialized niche of the Insurance Industry.

Underwrite new and renewal business in a Business Unit for assigned offices. Considers all strategic aspects of the situation and can make independent decisions within underwriting authority. Assist field office in achieving their budgeted financial results (premium, loss ratio, retention, commissions, pricing, and new business) through execution of Business Unit strategies. Support sales goals and plans of field offices and help build and maintain producer relationships. Communicate product information and strategies to field offices and provide technical leadership.

What Will You Do?

Underwriting Responsibilities:

- Underwrite and assess risk for Bond and Specialty Insurance and accounts in a Business Unit.

- Make appropriate decisions within own underwriting authority and make appropriate recommendations to referral Underwriter.

- Underwrite most complex/demanding accounts and risks and consider different approaches toward risks to maximize profitability (e.g., pricing, retention, endorsements, limits, indemnity, and security) by considering all factors related to the account.

- Within authority limit, make timely and prudent decisions consistent with Bond and Specialty Insurance Business Unit requirements and standards and within submission timeframe.

- Understand and communicate segment strategies to the field. Execute strategies on their accounts to produce budgeted results. Actively seek feedback regarding strategies and work with the field to take actions necessary to address issues.

- Portfolio Management – Continuously manage portfolio of business (maintain quality of business required by Business Unit strategy).

- Accountable for accurate underwriting documentation/ information in account management systems and adherence to documentation standards. Monitors and reports on finding for the field.

- Act as the Hub or industry/subject resident expert.

- As the referral Underwriter, assure that policies and accounts are effectively underwritten, handled and documented in compliance with Business Unit and regulatory standards and requirements.

Sales Management Responsibilities:

- Act as a partner with the Field to review sales plans and determine appropriate levels of Home Office visibility to support producer relationships.

- Work strategically and tactically with producers to ensure appropriate level of understanding of company goals and objectives.

- May participate with Field on account specific direct sales efforts to influence the outcome of the sale.

- Partner with the Field Office on sensitive account specific communication and participate in the communication if necessary.

- Support and encourage cross sell opportunities within Bond and Specialty Insurance and Travelers.

- Participate in producer and industry functions to increase visibility in the marketplace, network with key players in the territory and industry, and increase knowledge of the industry.

- Producer and account interaction focuses on meeting customer expectations regarding response time and knowledge of products and business.

Operations Responsibilities:

- Maintain a collaborative relationship with Field Office and Home Office (i.e. Claim, Legal) colleagues.

- Actively participate in Business Unit and Hub meetings.

- Demonstrate superior responsiveness to the Field (consistency, quick response, knowledge of products).

- Interact and participate on national projects having an impact on the business. Leads projects as required.

- Execute on policies, procedures, and strategies.

Leadership Responsibilities:

- Lead Construction Services underwriting strategy providing over authority and influence.

- Lead in the development of Home Office and Field Office new hires.

- Enhance the inclusive culture of Construction Services.

- Lead project teams as a subject matter expert.

- Model the way in adoption and execution of BU strategy.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

- Bachelor degree preferred.

- Typically has 8-10 years of relevant Account Executive/Underwriting experience.

- Previous insurance and business line specific experience preferred.

- Has thorough understanding of global insurance trends, industry/customer based trends and enterprise wide business and financial drivers that affect the region and local office.

- Can manage to organizational and regulatory rules, policies, and procedures; also provides feedback to higher levels of management when changes are needed.

- Uses knowledge of internal and external factors impacting the Bond and Specialty Insurance industry to make decisions.

- Can identify current or future problems or opportunities; can analyze, synthesize and compare information to understand issues,

- Able to identify cause/effect relationships and explores alternative solutions to support sound decision making.

- Valid drivers license or alternate means of personal transportation.

- Position may be located in Hartford but is not required.

- Position follows hybrid work model regardless of physical location.

What is a Must Have?

+ Minimum of 7 years of equivalent work and/or industry experience.

What Is in It for You?

+ Health Insurance : Employees and their eligible family members – including spouses, domestic partners, and children – are eligible for coverage from the first day of employment.

+ Retirement: Travelers matches your 401(k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to your first 5% of eligible pay, subject to an annual maximum. If you have student loan debt, you can enroll in the Paying it Forward Savings Program. When you make a payment toward your student loan, Travelers will make an annual c