AVP, Underwriting

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Officer position within the Western Region of Canada responsible for the multi-lines Commercial Mid-Market P&L for general industry segments. Provides overall underwriting excellence and integrity through management and adherence to underwriting best practices for multiple product lines or segments that have the highest level of complexity. Ensures effective implementation of strategic objectives and policies, in accordance with the company's strategic plans. May support multiple branches. Operationalizes local strategies to support commercial lines profit and growth. Acts as underwriting bench strength for product lines or segments.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Drives the implementation of the enterprises strategic and operational objectives as well as creates and implements local strategies providing significant impact on the short-term success of underwriting for Commercial Mid-Market. Moderates the overall impact on the long-term success of the company.
2. Ensures the achievement of continued profitability, growth objectives and operational efficiencies for multiple product lines or segments by focusing on account and book-level expense management, pricing, retention and quality control. Works with alternate partners to monitor and recalibrate strategies.
3. Partners with Commercial Directors to delegate underwriting authority. Working with Underwriting Leaders, Mentors, coaches and evaluates underwriters in Western Region. Position maintains a high level of underwriting authority within geographic territory responsibility.
4. Oversees the account underwriting process, including referral underwriting and pricing policies in accordance with strategic direction. Oversees the account life cycle for insureds.
5. Partners with home office underwriting leadership, including business partners in Risk Control, Actuarial, Claim, Operations and Compliance to ensure governance and compliance to underwriting practices including underwriting audits, setting expectations and enforcement of guidelines as well as ensuring workflows have been standardized and business is being processed most efficiently.
6. Consults with VP, Commercial Mid-Market or product line underwriting leadership to resolve technical issues within a product line or segment as well as allocates underwriting positions to those LOB/segments that will yield the most favorable financial results.
7. Maintains a strong market presence with brokers and customers to assess risk tolerance, appetite, and emerging issues. Establishes cross-sell plans between Commercial Insurance and Specialty business and identifies local business opportunities.
8. Leads, directs and has full management accountability for staff in area of responsibility with an emphasis on talent management, succession planning and skill development in accordance with corporate strategic direction. Identifies potential skill gaps and recommends appropriate training for underwriting staff in assigned territory. Will have upwards of 3 or more managers reporting in and has an overall group gross written premium minimum amount required.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

1. In-depth technical knowledge of underwriting theories and practices within the insurance field.
2. Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels of external and/or internal business partners within scope of responsibility, team and/or matrix environment.
3. Leadership and management skills, demonstrating integrity and professionalism.
4. Strong sales and marketing skills.
5. Ability to drive results by identifying and resolving problems within scope of responsibility.
6. Ability to mentor and coach others for high performance.
7. Knowledge of the insurance industry, its products and services.
8. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software.

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree with Master's preferred in a related discipline, or equivalent.
2. Typically a minimum of 10 years of related work experience, with five years management experience.
3. Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP), Advanced Chartered Insurance Professional (ACIP) or Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) designation is an asset.

At CNA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job. If you require an accommodation during the hiring process or upon hire, please inform Human Resources. If a selected applicant requests accommodation during the recruitment process, CNA will consult with the applicant in order to provide suitable accommodation that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs.