VP, Underwriting, Workers' Compensation

About the role

To provide strategic guidance and direction to the underwriting business units in regard to business development, underwriting excellence, and operational/shared services to promote profitable underwriting results.

Responsibilities

• Identify and support profitable new business and product opportunities.
• Identify strategic agencies and facilitate effective partnerships with underwriting and marketing.
• Lead process improvement and underwriting strategies for assigned area.
• Identify program opportunities and coordinate underwriting resources to accomplish.
• Drive product and platform expansion.
• Establish and communicate production and profit-related goals including new business development, distribution platform management, target loss ratios, policy count, hit ratios, renewal retention as it relates to new product/program launch, etc.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and advice to regional staff regarding underwriting risks.
• Proactively develop strategies and actions to resolve adverse trends or deviations from established underwriting standards identified through producer and account review audits.
• Adds tangible value to the composition of our current distribution platform.
• Collaborate with executive management when needed to analyze profit and loss statements to make appropriate business decisions.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships within and outside Argo Group to develop and drive new business opportunities.
• Act as a role model demonstrating belief in, and commitment to, the aspiration values of the Argo Group continuing to build and lead a value-based organization committed to long-term success.
• Typically manages a mid-size team of professional level underwriters and people managers.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process to ensure the organization has the necessary talent to accomplish business goals.
• Promote an environment that encourages self-motivation, teamwork and collaboration.
• Ensure professional development of underwriting team including continued growth in underwriting knowledge and skills as well as professional behavior.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 15 years underwriting experience with experience underwriting and marketing or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Management experience required with a proven ability to successfully lead a team.
• 10 years management experience highly preferred.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the external market, producer community, competitive environment and contributes to the development of business strategy.
• Superior oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence decisions.
• Ability to influence, motivate, and promote a team atmosphere to achieve desired results.
• Recognized as a leader within the organization that provides advice and guidance to others.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret company financial and actuarial reports to achieve business goals.
• Strong ability to partner with claims, finance, actuarial, IT and marketing resources.
• Independent decision maker – takes full responsibility for making decisions and consequences associated with decisions.
• Demonstrate significant contribution to underwriting profit.
• Continually seeks opportunities for niche products and potential agent opportunities.
• Experience in delivering presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Requires demonstrated experience in developing and implementing an annual department business plan.
• Proven employee development, mentoring, coaching and performance management skills.
• Recognized as a leader within the organization that provides advice and guidance to others.
• Ability to travel as needed, and with short notice.
• Proficient in the use of computer programs, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong computer skills required.
• Must be able to work closely with various support systems and understand and apply basic programming tactics.

Qualifications

• Salary Range Chicago $185,000 - $254,000 Compensation varies by location and experience.
• All employees are eligible for an annual bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits and Compensation

• We offer a competitive compensation package, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program—including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.