Home Office Underwriting Manager - Financial Institutions

Home Office Underwriting Manager - Financial InstitutionsCommitted.  Competitive.  Constructing our Future.  That's Travelers. We are one of the leading insurance companies in the United States.  Our superior financial strength and consistent record of strong operating returns mean security for our customers - and opportunities for our employees.  You will find Travelers to be full of energy and a workplace in which you truly can make a difference. We are currently looking for a Home Office Underwriting Manager - Financial Institutions.  Please read on for more details regarding this position. JOB DESCRIPTION: PURPOSE-  Underwrite new and renewal business in a business unit for assigned offices. Considers all strategic aspects of the situation and can make independent decisions within underwriting authority. -  Assist field offices in achieving their budgeted financial results (premium, loss ratio, retention, commissions, pricing, and new business) through execution of business unit strategies. -  Support sales goals and plans of field offices and help build and maintain producer relationships. -  Communicate product information and strategies to field offices and provide technical leadership when necessary. RESPONSIBILITIES /UNDERWRITING -  Underwrite and assess risk for Bond Financial Products and accounts in a business unit. Make appropriate decisions within own underwriting authority and make appropriate recommendations to referral Underwriter. -  Underwrite most complex/demanding accounts and risks and consider different approaches toward risks to maximize profitability (e.g., pricing, retention, endorsements, limits, indemnity, security) by considering all factors related to the account. -  Within authority limit, make timely and prudent decisions consistent with Bond & Financial Products business unit requirements and standards and within submission timeframe. -  Understand and communicate segment strategies to the field. Execute strategies on their accounts to produce budgeted results. Actively seek feedback regarding strategies and work with the field to take actions necessary to address issues. -  Portfolio Management - continuously manage portfolio of business (maintain quality of business required by business unit strategy). -  Accountable for accurate underwriting documentation/ information in account management systems and adherence to documentation standards. Monitors and reports on finding for the field. -  As the referral Underwriter, assure that policies and accounts are effectively underwritten, handled and documented in compliance with business unit and regulatory standards and requirements. RESPONSIBILITIES /SALES MANAGEMENT -  Act as a partner with the Field to review sales plans and determine appropriate levels of Home Office visibility to support producer relationships. Work strategically and tactically with producers to ensure appropriate level of understanding of company goals and objectives. -  May participate with Field on account specific direct sales efforts to influence the outcome of the sale. -  Partner with the Field Office on sensitive account specific communication and participate in the communication if necessary. -  Support and encourage cross sell opportunities within Bond and Financial Products and Travelers. -  Participate in producer and industry functions to increase visibility in the marketplace, network with key players in the territory and industry, and increase knowledge of the industry. -  Producer and account interaction focuses on meeting customer expectations regarding response time and knowledge of products and business. RESPONSIBILITIES - OPERATIONS -  Maintain a collaborative relationship with Field Office and Home Office (i.e. Claim, Legal) colleagues. -  Actively participate in business unit and region meetings. -  Demonstrate superior responsiveness to the Field (consistency, quick response, knowledge of products). -  Interact and participate on national projects having an impact on the business. Leads projects as required. -  Execute on policies, procedures, and strategies. COMPETENCIES /COMMUNICATION -  Strong communication (written and verbal), influencing, negotiating, listening, and interpersonal skills to effectively develop/maintain productive internal and external relationships. -  Effectively communicate and collaborate with Field and Home Office colleagues (Claim, Legal). -  Communicate difficult decisions. -  Adept at framing issues and solutions for Field, referral Underwriter, and external constituencies as required. -  Communicate with confidence and influence outcome of interactions. -  Make presentations to internal and external constituencies. COMPETENCIES /TEAM/INTERPERSONAL/DEVELOPMENT -  Work well in a team environment. Assist team members to ensure customer needs are met. -  Communicate and collaborate with colleagues on team, Field and Home Office (including collaborative table). -  Promote the growth and development of less experienced staff members and foster an energized environment. -  Mentor less experienced Underwriters. Conduct formal training on key functions of the position. -  Keep Home and Field team members and management apprised regarding business developments/ marketplace trends. -  Act as a technical resource to employees and customers both internal and external. -  Play leadership role on the team operational activities. COMPETENCIES / DECISION MAKING -  Ability to make timely, sound decisions within underwriting authority and recommendations with appropriate decision basis and negotiate terms and conditions. -  Think strategically to understand a situation (accounts, competitive environment, product changes) and develops/implements a strategy to achieve the desired outcome. COMPETENCIES / TECHNICAL SKILLS -  Proficient in all business unit products and/or business unit underwriting disciplines. -  Qualify for and utilize higher level of Home Office underwriting authority based on underwriting expertise. -  Advanced Analytical Skills - Demonstrate the ability to analyze larger and more complex accounts and identify all relevant risks/exposures. Researches all relevant information on the account or industry. Makes a sound decision or recommendation based on findings and knows the outstanding issues that require guidance from a more experienced underwriter. -  Advanced Financial Skills. Demonstrates the ability to analyze larger and more complex account and accurately assess financial condition and risk factors. Relating the financial situation to the size and exposure of the company’s obligation or the industry. Within authority, ensures the financial condition justifies our limits exposed. -  Ability to use all applicable Bond and Financial Products technology tools proficiently. Begin using tools for portfolio management and pricing to make decisions. A four year college degree in Finance and/or experience. COMPETENCIES - SELF MANAGEMENT -  Possesses a strong work ethic. -  Ability to overcome obstacles/solve problems. -  Work well independently. -  Detail oriented. -  Demonstrate operational excellence by complying with policies, procedures, and strategies, and organizing and prioritizing workload. -  Proactively takes action to meet customer expectations. -  Highly motivated to meet requirements of position. Seeks opportunities to continuously develop skills. -  Conduct self in a professional manner when representing the organization both internally and externally. COMPETENCIES /CUSTOMER SERVICE -  Demonstrate superior customer service skills by acting as a consultant to the Field, recommending alternative solutions to an issue, proactively managing accounts, meeting with customers as appropriate, and meeting timeframes. COMPETENCIES/ LEADERSHIP - BOND & FINANCIAL PRODUCTS  -  Demonstrate leadership characteristics and traits leads: -  Portfolio management -  Professional image -  Respect and trust of agents and colleagues -  Well organized -  Meet deadlines -  Consistently demonstrates integrity, and initiative -  Takes accountability for development -  Sense of urgency -  Takes ownership and responsibility for decisions and outcomes  -  Share success with the team -  Self motivated -  Considered go to person -  Strong production results -  Willingness to accept and achieve challenging goals and assignments. -  Ability to train and mentor less experienced employees -  Takes the initiative to drive the business unit strategy to meet the budget objective COMPETENCIES/ LEADERSHIP - TRAVELERS  LEADING SELFExhibits Courage, Conviction, and Credibility -  Takes the lead on unpopular though necessary actions. -  Acts decisively to tackle difficult problems. -  Exhibits character through words and deeds, encourage honesty throughout the organization. -  Is viewed as capable, effective, and able to enlist others.Communicates Effectively and Influences Others -  Clearly articulates even the most complex concepts so others understand. -  Influences others without using formal authority. -  Is open to being influenced to explore new possibilities. -  Adjusts own style according to the demands of the situation.Applies Critical Thinking -  Analyzes complex issues and problems then synthesizes information to identify key issues and make decisions. -  Focuses on the big picture in a complex situation and relies on guiding values and intuition to arrive at the best course of action. -  Integrates different perspectives and ideas. Demonstrates Self-awareness -  Demonstrates a strong drive to achieve with a balance of humility. -  Seeks and embraces candid feedback with resiliency. -  Reflects on and learns from experience. -  Admits mistakes and faults. DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES -  Continue to expand/refine understanding of the dynamics of the organization. -  Developing communication skills to effectively interact with internal and external constituencies. -  Continuing to expand/refine knowledge of underwriting more complex products/accounts and increase underwriting authority. -  Continuing to expand/refine sales and marketing skills based on experiences. -  Developing financial analysis and analytical skills for more complex products/accounts. -  Developing strategic perspective to managing portfolio of accounts. -  Refine presentation skills to effectively communicate the intended message to all audiences. -  Developing ability to communicate business unit strategies to field and less experienced colleagues. -  Developing skills to train and mentor less experienced colleagues. -  Take AFSB/RPLU/CPCU classes (optional). READINESS FOR NEXT POSITION -  Meets all responsibilities and competency requirements for current position. -  Demonstrates mastery to underwrite the most complex products/accounts.  Independently underwrites all accounts within authority. -  Demonstrates analytical and financial analysis skills beyond the advanced level. -  Demonstrates ability to manage a portfolio of accounts consistent with the business unit underwriting and product strategies. -  Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate with internal and external constituencies on complex accounts and technical issues. -  Demonstrates ability to collaborate with business unit peers and functional experts (home and field offices) and is visible to the Field. Seen as a partner by the Field. -  Considered a ‘go to’ person. Acts a subject matter expert. -  Perceived as leader by colleagues. Leads by example and achieves superior results. -  Demonstrates interest in the business unit, Field, Bond, and Travelers. -  Demonstrates ability to act as a leader in group environment or on projects. -  Demonstrates interest and ability to develop people by training and coaching less experienced colleagues. -  Demonstrates ability to assume and achieve stretch goals. -  Demonstrates interest and ability to attract highly skilled people. -  Continues interest and willingness to take a broader perspective on the business unit and company. -  Demonstrates ability to handle higher level of underwriting authority. -  Demonstrates ability to think strategically and develop a strategy to achieve the desired outcome. -  Technical and decision making skills demonstrate the ability to be a member of the Collaborative Table. -  Demonstrates technical expertise as an industry or subject matter expert. -  Demonstrates solid communication and collaboration skills and ability to effectively communicate in a way that gains acceptance by colleagues at all levels of the organization. In addition to an exciting environment, we offer: * Competitive base salary with additional opportunities for variable pay through recognition programs and incentive awards * 401(k) with company match* Comprehensive health plans that include coverage for same sex/domestic partners* Strong work/family and employee assistance programs* Tuition reimbursement * Vacation Purchase Plan* Training/Development opportunities We are proud to provide comprehensive, high quality employee programs to meet employees' needs now and in the future, including a very competitive financial package. Explore what we have to offer.  For immediate consideration for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button at the bottom of this posting.  Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We actively promote a drug-free workplace.   Company: Travelers Companies, Inc.