Chief Underwriter, North America Middle Market

About the Role: 

The Chief Underwriter (CUO), North America Middle Market (MM) is a critical, high-profile Global Risk Solutions (GRS) North America Underwriting (UW) leadership role that dual reports to the CUO of North America and the President of North America Middle Market. This role will have accountability for underwriting strategy and execution in close collaboration with leaders across North America and Global Office of Underwriting, setting a clear and consistent appetite, identifying growth opportunities, developing reinsurance strategies and shaping the target portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates closely with leaders across the business (UW, Actuarial, Finance, etc.) to influence and set sub-segment underwriting strategy and annual financial plan, ensuring alignment with the overarching goals of GRS North America and sub-segment strategies 
• In partnership with the GRS North America Chief Underwriting Officers and the Global Office of Underwriting, establishes and oversees the reinsurance strategy for the sub-segment ensuring alignment with broader market trends and financial objectives 
• Collaborates across the North America Office of Underwriting and key partner areas to influence strategy and monitor performance of plans for pricing, risk origination, market segmentation and risk selection  
• Responsible for execution and delivery of quality assurance activities within the segment, following the central framework established by the North America Office of Underwriting 
• Establishes authority limits and referral criteria at the sub-segment level, cascading guidelines from the overall GRS North America Chief Underwriting Office framework 
• Monitors execution of sub-segment underwriting strategy and portfolio performance against plan; handles any referrals escalated 
• Monitors developments in the relevant markets and risk environments that could impact sub-segment portfolio performance, and collaborates with key partner areas to develop action plans for identified risks and opportunities 
• Drives effective cross-functional collaboration and support with sub-segment level functional teams and key partner areas 
• Provides strong leadership to continually upgrade sub-segment underwriting talent through training, development, and partnership on recruitment 
• Determines sub-segment underwriting investment needs to continue monitoring and/or executing effectively, including data capture or strategy, advanced analytics, technology, and talent 

Skills: Analyzing and problem solving; decision making, building relationships; leadership; innovation; communicating effectively, engaging and motivating people; negotiation; influencing others; focusing on service; managing and improving processes; executing well; planning and organizing work.

Leadership Capabilities  

• A collaborative partner who will nurture trusting relationships. Encourages the open exchange of ideas and respect for other points of view.
• A strategic leader who can establish long-term goals, achieve them, and deliver results.
• Forward-looking. Will seek opportunities to contribute and add value across the organization.
• A direct and transparent communicator. Knows how and when to keep others informed.
• An inclusive leader with a keen interest in developing diverse talent.
• A problem-solver who seeks to understand the underlying drivers of the results.
• Intellectually curious. Willing to ask questions and challenge assumptions.
• Executive presence.? 

Transformation & Innovation: 

• Experience in providing innovative underwriting solutions. A track record of challenging the status quo.

Leadership Experience: 

• Influential senior executive with Underwriting P&L experience. Leader with a strategic mindset and demonstrated relationship-building ability that provides direction for the underwriting operations.

Qualifications: 

• At least 15 years of experience in underwriting specialty, property and casualty, managing a team of underwriters.  
• Experience in relevant markets, with knowledge of sales and distribution channels.
• Product, pricing & underwriting expertise in Commercial & Specialty Lines.  
• Manages underwriting results to achieve corporate profitability.
• Experience in relevant markets, with knowledge of sales and distribution channels 
• Objective and results-oriented leader with strategic mindset and demonstrated relationship building ability. 
• Strong discipline and has solid decision-making skills coupled with strong technical capabilities. Ability to formulate strategies across portfolios and to set authorities to define the boxes based on strategy. 

• Underwriting P&L experience
• Strong Casualty expertise and underwriting experience
• Deep understanding of how the pieces of the organization fit together to create value and deliver results
• Maintain a solid grasp on the ever-changing context within which the business competes
• Internationally experience preferred but not required
• Objective and results-oriented
• Leader with strategic mindset and demonstrated relationship building ability
• Ability to form effective and trusting relationships with superiors, peers, and direct reports, studying and meeting the needs of key stakeholders
• Ability to articulate views, engage others` ideas, analyze data for insights, weigh alternatives, own the final call, and communicate decisions clearly
• Attributes include: adaptability/openness to new experiences, achievement orientation, initiative, organizational awareness, self-awareness, humility, and empathy
• Knowledge, skills and other capabilities normally acquired through a bachelor`s degree or equivalent and 12+ years of related experience