AVP, Field Underwriting

Company Details

 

Berkley North Pacific is a regional insurance company that offers niche products and specialized coverages through local independent agency partners. We differentiate ourselves in the marketplace with our customer-obsessed approach that exceeds timeliness and responsiveness expectations.  Partnering with a select group of Independent Agents in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, we pride ourselves on the ease of doing business.  With local leadership, conversational underwriting, and responsive claims services, we truly are relationship driven. 

 

Our mission is to provide financial protection to our customers by offering premier insurance solutions, products, and services through our select independent agents. BNP is a proud member of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500® company. While we are regionally focused, we have the security and financial backing of one of the largest commercial lines’ writers in the United States.

 

This role will be based in our Meridian, ID office.  We offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so.

 

The company is an equal opportunity employer. #LI-AV1 #LI-HYBRID 

 

Responsibilities

As our Assistant Vice President – Field Underwriting, you will report to the Chief Underwriting Officer and be a strategic leader driving profitable growth and lead high-performing teams.  We'll trust you to execute businss plans and strategies, partner with internal business partners to enable product, pricing, technology and services to achieve and sustain our long-term growth.  

 

What you can expect:

• Culture of innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent
• Internal mobility opportunities 
• Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams
• Opportunity to impact change
• Benefits – competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education

We'll count on you for:  

• Strategic Leadership: Lead and inspire field underwriting teams to align with our company's strategic goals. Participate in annual and long-term strategic planning, collaborating with senior leadership to shape our future vision and success metrics.
• Deliver Results: Develop and implement strategies to achieve target returns, ensuring sustained profit and growth. Monitor progress and identify areas for improvement to drive success.
• People Leadership and Talent Development: Manage Underwriting Directors and their teams, overseeing all aspects of hiring, training, performance reviews, and employee development. Foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Develop a pipeline of future underwriting talent.
• Agency Relationships: Enhance and build strong relationships with agencies, producers, and key insureds. Collaborate with the Vice President of Distribution to ensure effective partnerships and promote new business growth.
• Change Management: Lead through change by effectively communicating vision, gaining commitment from staff, and fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other regional companies and the Regional Shared Services team.
• Market Opportunities: Manage the book of business and collaborate with Home Office Underwriting to identify market opportunities through competitor analysis, market research, and business retention strategies.
• Product and Pricing: Partner with Home Office Underwriting staff to drive profitable growth through product and pricing revisions. Identify and develop new market opportunities.
• Expense Control: Drive expense control and efficiency throughout regional operations. Collaborate with business units to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Compliance: Ensure all underwriting activities comply with regulatory requirements and company policies.

Qualifications

What you need to have:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university
• 5-10 years of progressive underwriting and leadership experience with a proven track record of success
• Expertise in underwriting or distribution for Small Business, Middle Market (construction and non-construction), and Farm & Agribusiness
• Business acumen and strategic insight to adapt to the changing business environment and drive company success
• Abillity to travel regularly
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

What makes you stand out:

• Leadership: proven skills in coaching, mentoring, recruiting, staffing, and professional development.
• Regional Expertise: broad understanding of the competitive commercial lines market in the Pacific Northwest and Utah
• Relationship Management: familiarity with key distribution partners in the Northwest and Utah
• Data Analytics: ability to drive data analytics and correlate results across the region
• Excellent communication skills, learning mindset, growth oriented, collaborative and action-oriented

Additional Company Details

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

Sponsorship Details

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role