Assistant Vice President, Underwriting

As the Assistant Vice President, Underwriting at At-Bay, you will be responsible for underwriting complex cyber risk coverage for middle-market clients. Your key duties include building and managing relationships with brokers, negotiating pricing and terms for insurance policies, and analyzing risks within At-Bay's guidelines. You'll also collaborate with various teams to ensure our brokers receive top-notch service and support.

To be successful as an Assistant Vice President, Underwriting at At-Bay, candidates should have approximately 10+ years of experience in cyber liability and Tech E&O underwriting or account management. A solid understanding of commercial underwriting principles, strong communication skills, and a team-oriented mindset are essential. A technology affinity and familiarity with advanced analytics software will also be beneficial.

The Assistant Vice President, Underwriting role at At-Bay is distinct in that it focuses on high-value and complex cyber risks, especially tailored for the middle market. Unlike traditional underwriting positions, this role emphasizes building and nurturing broker relationships, driving market presence, and contributing to strategic discussions within cross-functional teams, making it a significant leadership position within the company.

At At-Bay, professional development is a priority. As the Assistant Vice President, Underwriting, you’ll have the chance to mentor junior underwriters, share your extensive experience, and foster a collaborative learning environment. Additionally, you’ll have access to training resources, industry conferences, and workshops to further enhance your skills and knowledge in cyber underwriting.

The estimated base salary for the Assistant Vice President, Underwriting position at At-Bay ranges from $150,000 to $180,000 annually. This figure is based on various factors, including market data, location, and your experience and skill level. Candidates who are passionate about cybersecurity and underwriting are encouraged to apply, as talent is a top priority for us.

When answering this question, focus on specific experiences you've had in underwriting cyber liability policies, including the types of risks you've assessed and the methodologies you've employed. Illustrate your process of evaluating and analyzing data to make informed decisions.

Explain that effective broker management relies on communication, trust, and understanding their needs. Share examples of strategies you have used to cultivate strong partnerships with brokers and to ensure they feel valued and supported in their transactions.

Discuss your analytical skills and techniques used, such as leveraging advanced analytics tools or methodologies to assess and quantify risks effectively. Providing real-life scenarios where your analysis led to informed underwriting decisions can strengthen your response.

In your response, highlight the importance of flexibility and collaboration during negotiations. Share your strategies for ensuring both parties feel satisfied with the terms, emphasizing your preparation, communication, and ability to understand the broker's perspective.

When answering, detail a specific example of a complex underwriting challenge, the steps you took to address it, and the outcome. This demonstrates your problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a nuanced area of underwriting.

Discuss your familiarity with technology and analytics tools and how you leverage them to enhance underwriting efficiency, accuracy, and risk assessment. Provide examples of technologies you’ve implemented or utilized in past roles to improve processes.

Share your strategies for continuous learning, such as attending webinars, reviewing industry publications, or participating in professional organizations. Highlight how staying informed allows you to make better decisions in underwriting cyber risks.

Identify key factors for success in middle-market underwriting, such as adaptability, relationship management, and an understanding of the specific risks faced by these businesses. Illustrate how these elements contribute to building a robust underwriting strategy.

Discuss your emphasis on diligence and thorough documentation processes to maintain compliance with established underwriting guidelines. Explain how regular training and staying updated on regulatory requirements contribute to effective compliance.

Your mentoring philosophy should reflect your belief in fostering collaboration and learning. Share your approach to guiding junior underwriters, encouraging questions, and providing constructive feedback to facilitate their growth in the field.