at Westfield Specialty, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
We are seeking a SVP, E&S Property to head up a newly created Middle Markets business. This role will report directly to the Head of E&S Property and requires a strong background in underwriting and expertise in Middle Market Property. This role is responsible for underwriting a complex book of business, employing the methods necessary to meet projected profitability, Gross Written Premium, expense goals, management and growth of the overall portfolio of business, implementing proper underwriting discipline/guidelines, marketing and servicing of existing and potential clients.
This individual should be recognized for their strength in new business development and client relations, technical analysis, integrity, and the highest level of work ethic. Individual will drive business results through strong leadership skills, active sales and marketing efforts, long-term client relationship building, and collaborative engagement with internal business partners.
Identifies growth opportunities within Middle Market Property market within the US.
Manages execution of underwriting strategies and holds team accountable for implementation.
Develops and executes effective strategies to generate profitable business growth. Collaborates with branch, peers, and E&S Property management on new business and retention opportunities.
Gathers pertinent competitive information to assist in product development recommendations.
Critical Competencies:
Leadership: Effective engagement and motivation of underwriters to achieve organizational objectives aligned with the regional vision and values
Underwriting Acumen: Demonstrates deep technical knowledge of products, competitors, and wholesale marketplace.
Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to build strong key account relationships and manage customer expectations in changing market conditions. Proven track record promoting business retention and profitable growth.
Sales and Marketing: Working knowledge of products and marketplace. Demonstrated ability to market and sell WSP's differentiated; value added coverage and service advantages. Proven prospecting skills and effective use of sales and marketing tools.
Agency Management: Ability to build strong agency relationships and manage expectations under dynamic market conditions.
Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with multiple business units, stakeholders. Demonstrates effective consultation and partnership skills.
Communications: Demonstrated ability to manage communications and awareness effectively between various parties of interest, including brokers/agents, Branches, Product Managers and Senior Management.
Continually improve underwriting guidelines that will be utilized to quantify underwriting standards.
Proactively drive and lead the acquisition of new business and retention of existing business.
Work directly with Head of E&S Property to communicate, market, and negotiate middle market ceded strategy.
Attract
Ownership of broker/agency relationships including delivering high level expectations. Leads and/or participates in agency analysis and planning. Develops and executes an effective agency strategy to grow the business. Developing action plans to grow with supportive brokers including proprietary form review.
Minimum of 15 years of high-level E&S Property underwriting experience, middle market experience a must
Bachelor's degree, strong preference for degree with a field related major/concentration
Training and development of staff
Excellent organizational and communication skills, and ability to multi-task
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Willingness to travel
Must be able to think originally, be willing to challenge ideas and be receptive to having their own ideas challenged.
Ability to balance competing responsibilities, priorities, and initiatives.
Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
Effective internal (Company) and external (Client) presentation and communications skills a requirement
Must be a team player that enjoys a flexible and spontaneous business environment.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.
Westfield Specialty is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status,... For full info follow application link.
Westfield celebrates diversity and is committed to inclusion. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran.