Underwriting Director (Contract Surety)

CNA Insurance; Timonium (MD); On-site; USD 97,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA Insurance seeks a senior underwriting leader to direct an underwriting group and drive profitability across a national book. The role requires executive judgment, strategic thinking and strong people leadership.

Reporting to senior management, you will develop policies, pricing, and training, while building agency relationships to achieve growth and quality results. A BA/BS in business and seven years underwriting experience are preferred; MBA is a plus. This is a full-time role in Maryland.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in Business Administration or similar.
• Typically seven years of underwriting experience with a proven track record.
• Professional designations (e.g. AFSB) and/or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs the work activities and has full management responsibility for the performance and development of subordinate staff in accordance with corporate strategic direction.
• Coaches, leads and develops underwriters and directs the development of underwriting training.
• Participates with senior management in the development and implementation of underwriting policy, marketing and business strategy.
• Develops and implements operating plans for enhancing the business and meeting strategic objectives.
• Reviews and directs the application of underwriting policy and pricing for all risks within an assigned book of business.
• May market products and services through agencies or through the brokerage community.
• Develops and maintains agency and/or broker relationships to ensure positive and profitable outcomes.
• Reports business progress to senior management.
• Keeps current on state/territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends. May represent the company in industry trade groups.

Skills

Leadership & coaching

Communication skills

Underwriting knowledge

Analytical thinking

Project management

Microsoft Office

Education

BA/BS in Business Administration

MBA preferred

7+ years underwriting experience

Tools

Underwriting policies & pricing

Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.

Leads and directs an underwriting group and is accountable for business results through overall management, profitability, and business development of a book of business for Surety. In conjunction with senior management, works within the highest limits of authority. Has regional, industry segment or company-wide scope of responsibility.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs the work activities and has full management responsibility for the performance and development of subordinate staff in accordance with corporate strategic direction.
• Coaches, leads and develops underwriters and directs the development of underwriting training.
• Participates with senior management in the development and implementation of underwriting policy, marketing and business strategy.
• Develops and implements operating plans for enhancing the business and meeting strategic objectives.
• Reviews and directs the application of underwriting policy and pricing for all risks within an assigned book of business.
• May market products and services through agencies or through the brokerage community.
• Develops and maintains agency and/or broker relationships to ensure positive and profitable outcomes.
• Reports business progress to senior management.
• Keeps current on state/territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends. May represent the company in industry trade groups.

Reporting Relationship

AVP or above

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Ability to effectively lead, coach and develop an underwriting group.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of CNA's internal and external business partners.
• Senior level technical and business management acumen, underwriting skill and knowledge of insurance and underwriting principles, practices and procedures.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and teams.
• Ability to deal with ambiguous situations and issues.
• Creativity in resolving unique and challenging business problems.
• Ability to achieve results by taking a proactive long-term view of business goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration (or similar).
• Typically a minimum of seven years of underwriting experience with a proven track record of results.
• Professional designations (e. g. AFSB) and/or MBA preferred.

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $97,000 to $189,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

CNA utilizes AI-enabled technology during the recruiting process. For more information, please visit our careers page.

CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]