Central Region Commercial Lines Underwriting Director

EMC Insurance; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 118,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic leader for their underwriting department in the Chicago area. This role involves directing underwriting processes, developing guidelines, and fostering agency relationships to ensure profitable growth. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in commercial lines underwriting, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and strong leadership skills. Join a collaborative team that values growth and innovation, where your contributions will directly impact the success of the organization. If you are passionate about driving results and leading a dedicated team, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience required.
• Previous supervisory experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the branch underwriting process and enforce guidelines.
• Develop strategies to address challenges to profit and communicate effectively.

Skills

Underwriting and risk analysis

Problem-solving skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in insurance or business administration

CPCU designation or other underwriting-related designation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Social media

Job description

At EMC, we’re all about working together to make an impact. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to grow, contribute, and gain experience that matters. We strive to be caring leaders, close partners, and responsive experts—always supporting each other to do our best work. Join us, and let’s improve lives together.

This position will be open to candidates located physically in the Chicago Land area.

Essential Functions:

• Leads and directs the branch underwriting process while enforcing guidelines and procedures established by Corporate Office Underwriting.
• Develops and enforces underwriting guidelines and procedures specific to their branch territory and models smart and effective underwriting practices for individual accounts, all lines of business, and different classes.
• Sets and implements strategies to address challenges to profit and communicates strategies throughout the underwriting department.
• Answers questions, shares recommendations for complex situations, such as difficult accounts, communication strategies or problematic agency relationships and explains the rationale for recommendations and serves as the subject matter expert for the branch and makes final decisions on complex or high-risk accounts.
• Oversees and directs the underwriting department team, focusing on both long-term and short-term success.
• Special consideration on ability to lead a profitable growth sales culture within our underwriting team, including leading by example by being out physically visiting our agency partners and involved with key industry association events.
• Collaborates with team members to establish performance goals and monitors status, conducts reviews, and provides coaching.
• Partners closely with the Branch Human Resources Business Partner Manager to identify training needs for the department and individuals and ensure that it is delivered.
• Partners with Underwriting Supervisors to oversee workloads and workflow processes to ensure that branch objectives can be met.
• Directs existing and develops and fosters new agency relationships to grow profitable relationships and rehabilitate unprofitable and low growth relationships.
• Collaborates with Branch Vice President to determine underwriting strategy and practices and establishes short-term and long-term underwriting goals.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in insurance or business administration or equivalent relevant experience.
• Ten years of commercial lines underwriting experience.
• Previous supervisory/leadership experience.
• CPCU designation or other underwriting-related designation(s) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Superior knowledge of underwriting and risk analysis.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions.
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media.
• Ability to oversee multiple projects at one time and make decisions under challenging circumstances.
• Excellent ability to translate technical ideas into more general terms for business customers.
• Ability to explore new and different processes, services, technologies, and partnerships to enhance EMC’s business.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent leadership skills and ability to motivate team.
• Excellent ability to effectively communicate products, procedures, business planning and system information.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups.
• Occasional travel; a valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle report per company standards will be required if driving.

The hiring salary range for this position will vary based on geographic location, falling within $118,603-$170,001 range. A hiring range represents a subset of the full salary range. The actual salary will depend on several factors, including relevant education, skills, and experience of an applicant, geographic location, and business needs.