AI-Driven COO, Wholesale & Specialty Insurance

Markel Corporation

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 317,000 - 387,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

PTO/holidays and parental leave

Job summary

Markel Corporation, a Fortune 500 insurance and investment group, seeks a Chief Operations Officer for the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Division in the US. You will lead the W&S operating model, oversee technology, data analytics, and P&L initiatives, and drive AI-enabled transformation across underwriting, service, and workflow to deliver growth and improved ratios.

Demonstrated 10+ years in insurance operations leadership with a track record of large-scale change, tech-enabled processes,

Responsibilities

Own the W&S operating model across regions, underwriting support, service, and workflow
Set the vision for the future W&S operating model, articulating a progressive, AI enabled end-state and the path to achieve it
Lead transformation initiatives that improve speed, quality, and expense ratio
Drive organizational clarity, decision rights, and process consistency
Oversee a federated W&S technology organization aligned to business priorities
Set and own the W&S IT roadmap in partnership with enterprise architecture
Lead modernization of underwriting, workflow, portals, and automation (including AI)
Ensure data accessibility, MI/analytics support, and performance transparency
Provide transparency on allocations/chargebacks and clearly articulate the value and outcomes delivered by any remaining central operations
Improve underwriting productivity (referrals, cycle times, low-touch workflows)
Enhance ease of doing business for brokers and underwriters
Drive implementation of digital trading and small-risks automation
Improve operational SLAs and service outcomes
Lead W&S Ops leadership meetings; co-own IT & Ops prioritization forums
Drive alignment across underwriting, claims, Ops, IT, HR, and finance
Ensure effective preparation for quarterly business reviews, regional P&L, and reserving meetings
Build a high-performing integrated Ops/IT/Data organization
Mentor and develop operational and technology leaders
Promote a culture of empowerment, speed, and continuous improvement