VP, Underwriting (Environmental)

Job Summary

Successfully lead and direct the assigned underwriting division to accomplish the divisional goals, initiatives and objectives for profitability, production, compliance, and new product development.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Continuously exhibit and uphold Core Values of Integrity, Accountability, Communication and Teamwork, Innovation and Customer Service

• In coordination with the Division Manager, develop and execute annual business plans for the division to include a profitable underwriting strategy.
• Responsible for the management of underwriting staff to include establishing and communicating division goals, setting individual performance goals, performance management and training.
• Handle most complex accounts, accurately assessing ineligible verses eligible accounts.
• Ensure submissions are reviewed within 24 hours of receipt.
• Write and refine Underwriting and Pricing Guidelines in response to market conditions.
• Lead new product development effort for the division to include initiation, research and implementation of new products as well as product/process enhancements.
• Working with Actuarial, establish base rates and rating methodology designed to produce underwriting profit.
• Establish proper underwriting authority for underwriters.
• Review submissions over underwriters' authority
• Conduct underwriting audit of files to ensure practices are implemented consistently.
• Monitor rate level to ensure portfolio and individual account pricing objectives are met.
• Evaluate the performance of the Division's book of business including utilizing actuarial techniques.
• Working with Marketing, identify broker distribution to achieve division objectives.
• Travel with underwriters as needed and represent James River at national conferences and broker events.
• Collaborate with Actuarial, Claims, IT, and other Underwriting Division as needed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in the ability to lead, motivate, influence, and mentor staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• High degree of personal initiative and self-motivation
• Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Understanding of current market conditions, trends competition and new product development
• Demonstrated ability to effectively assess risks, price, and negotiate business in accordance with established guidelines.
• Thorough understanding of key exposures and portfolio pricing techniques
• Ability to sell difference between our coverage and leading competitor's product.
• Knowledge of forms and coverages
• Ability to propose, research and implement new product development.
• Recognize variances to plan and propose corrective actions

Experience and Education

• 10+ years of experience preferably in Excess and Surplus lines
• Extensive experience in underwriting and marketing of division-related products
• Experiences and knowledge of the wholesale distributions system
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience