AVP Underwriting, Inland Marine

As an AVP Underwriting at Argo Group, you will take charge of meeting new business and profit goals for your region, develop and manage a book of business, and establish underwriting profit goals. You'll serve as a team leader, leading initiatives that revolve around production and profitability while also mentoring your team of underwriters. Engaging in strategic actions, analyzing risks, and nurturing relationships with brokers will be key aspects of your role.

To qualify for the AVP Underwriting position at Argo Group, candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution along with at least 7 years of relevant experience. Familiarity with core inland marine lines, proven leadership abilities, and the capacity to make independent decisions are crucial. A strong network within the industry and the ability to demonstrate a commitment to underwriting profit will further enhance your application.

The AVP Underwriting will have a significant role in developing team growth at Argo Group by leading the recruitment process, mentoring less experienced underwriters, and establishing clear communication of underwriting goals. Building and maintaining relationships within the industry, as well as nurturing external business partnerships, will create pathways for new opportunities and overall team success.

Argo Group boasts a vibrant culture that emphasizes respect, equality, and professional development. As an AVP Underwriting, you'll work in a collegial environment that encourages team input and values individual contributions. Flexibility and personal wellness are part of the workplace ethos, enabling you to bring your whole self to work, ensuring that you feel supported and recognized.

The base salary range for the AVP Underwriting position at Argo Group in California is between $201,000 and $241,200, depending on the candidate's experience. In addition to competitive compensation, employees are eligible for an annual bonus based on both company and individual performance, along with a generous benefits package that includes comprehensive health options and professional development opportunities.

When preparing for this question, highlight your specific experiences with inland marine lines, mentioning particular projects or products you have worked on. Discuss how you managed risk, profitability, and relationships with brokers. Show your understanding of the market and the contribution you made to your previous companies.

Discuss specific strategies you've employed in past roles to meet underwriting profit goals. Mention any analytical methods you used to assess risks, how you communicated profit goals with your team, and any successful outcomes you've driven through your strategies.

It's important to demonstrate your conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Share a specific example where you've navigated a challenging situation, explaining your approach, the outcome, and what you learned throughout the process.

Explain your perspective on mentorship—how crucial it is for the growth of less experienced underwriters. Provide examples of how you've successfully mentored junior team members in previous roles, the techniques you used, and the positive results that stemmed from those relationships.

Outline your analytical approach to assessing new business opportunities. Talk about the factors you would evaluate such as risk assessment, market potential, the historical performance of similar lines, and how you would gather data necessary to make informed decisions.

Narrate a specific instance where you've successfully built or strengthened relationships with brokers. Emphasize your communication skills, how you developed trust, and the strategies you utilized for maintaining those relationships over time.

Discuss the resources you rely on to stay informed such as industry publications, professional associations, and networking events. Mention specific examples where your knowledge of current trends and standards has benefitted your work or team.

Provide a detailed account of a project you led, discussing your leadership style, how you motivated your team, and any specific tactics you employed to ensure success. Highlight the outcomes of the project and how you measured success.

Consider discussing market competition, regulatory changes, or evolving customer needs. Share how you would prepare to face these challenges along with strategies you would implement to mitigate potential risks.

Emphasize the importance of cross-departmental collaboration, discussing methods you employ to ensure effective communication and partnership. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work well with finance, IT, and marketing teams to achieve common goals.