VP, Underwriting, Workers' Compensation

Argonaut Management Services, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 185,000 - 254,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Annual bonus

Job summary

Argonaut Management Services, Inc is searching for a strategic leader to guide their underwriting business in Chicago. This role demands a proven record in underwriting, with at least 15 years of experience. The candidate will focus on business development and improve operational efficiencies, while mentoring a professional team.

The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor's degree, strong leadership skills, and effective communication abilities. Competitive salary range is $185,000 - $254,000, complemented by additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years underwriting experience, management experience preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret company financial reports.
• Requires proficiency in MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Identify and support profitable new business and product opportunities.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to underwriting staff.
• Develop strategies to resolve adverse trends in underwriting.

Skills

Strategic business development

Leadership and management

Underwriting excellence

Communication skills

Financial report analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Company

Argo Group is an underwriter of specialty insurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of businesses. The Argo entities are wholly‑owned subsidiaries of Clearbrook Group Holdings Inc.

Job Description

Summary:

To provide strategic guidance and direction to the underwriting business units in regard to business development, underwriting excellence, and operational/shared services to promote profitable underwriting results. Responsible for driving profitable growth for assigned product or territory. Collaborates with executive management to develop strategic and tactical initiatives to reach the organization's goals.

Responsibilities

• Identify and support profitable new business and product opportunities.
• Identify strategic agencies and facilitate effective partnerships with underwriting and marketing.
• Lead process improvement and underwriting strategies for assigned area.
• Identify program opportunities and coordinate underwriting resources to accomplish.
• Drive product and platform expansion.
• Establish and communicate production and profit‑related goals including new business development, distribution platform management, target loss ratios, policy count, hit ratios, renewal retention as it relates to new product/program launch, etc.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and advice to regional staff regarding underwriting risks.
• Proactively develop strategies and actions to resolve adverse trends or deviations from established underwriting standards identified through producer and account review audits.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with distribution community at a senior level. Adds tangible value to the composition of our current distribution platform.
• Collaborate with executive management when needed to analyze profit and loss statements to make appropriate business decisions.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships within and outside Argo Group to develop and drive new business opportunities.
• Act as a role model demonstrating belief in, and commitment to, the aspiration values of the Argo Group continuing to build and lead a value‑based organization committed to long‑term success.
• Typically manage a mid‑size team of professional level underwriters and people managers.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process to ensure the organization has the necessary talent to accomplish business goals.
• Promote an environment that encourages self‑motivation, teamwork and collaboration.
• Ensure professional development of underwriting team including continued growth in underwriting knowledge and skills as well as professional behavior.
• As necessary, work with reinsurers and reinsurance intermediaries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and minimum of 15 years underwriting experience with experience underwriting and marketing or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Management experience required with a proven ability to successfully lead a team. 10 years management experience highly preferred.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the external market, producer community, competitive environment and contributes to the development of business strategy.
• Superior oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence decisions.
• Ability to influence, motivates, and promotes a team atmosphere to achieve desired results.
• Recognized as a leader within the organization that provides advice and guidance to others.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret company financial and actuarial reports to achieve business goals.
• Strong ability to partner with claims, finance, actuarial, IT and marketing resources.
• Independent decision maker – takes full responsibility for making decisions and consequences associated with decisions.
• Demonstrate significant contribution to underwriting profit.
• Continually seeks opportunities for niche products and potential agent opportunities.
• Experience in delivering presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Requires demonstrated experience in developing and implementing an annual department business plan.
• Proven employee development, mentoring, coaching and performance management skills.
• Ability to travel as needed, and with short notice.
• Proficient in the use of computer programs, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong computer skills required – must be able to work closely with various support systems and understand and apply basic programming tactics.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. At this time, we are not able to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.
• If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar state or local law and wish to discuss potential reasonable accommodations related to applying for employment with us, please contact our Benefits Department at 210‑321‑8400.

Salary Range

• Chicago $185,000 - $254,000

Benefits and Compensation

We offer a competitive compensation package, performance‑based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program – including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Compensation varies by location and experience. All employees are eligible for an annual bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin or citizenship (including language use restrictions), denial of family and medical care leave, disability (mental and physical), including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, child birth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other status protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.