AVP, Underwriting (Small Business)

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CNA’s Small Business Underwriting Team is seeking an officer level individual to be responsible for providing overall underwriting leadership and excellence for the Portfolio Underwriting team that is aligned to our premier and traditional agencies. This individual will ensure effective management and implementation of strategic objectives and policies for Small Business in accordance with the company’s strategic plans.

Our Underwriters our concentrated in Lake Mary, FL and Overland, Park KS.

This role is open to qualified candidates Nationally and will have Leaders (Underwriting Directors of Small Business Underwriting Teams) as direct reports.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

1. Responsible for the successful execution of growth and profit underwriting strategies.  Implements strategic objectives, underwriting strategies and best practices with substantial impact on both short and long-term success of Small Business. 

2. Accountable for delivering the financial objectives of Small Business, including profitability, new business, gross written premium, rate, and retention.  Proactive production monitoring and addresses plan variances with team and appropriate initiatives.

3. Manages multiple underwriting teams within Small Business.  Leads, directs and owns management accountability for staff in area of responsibility with an emphasis on talent management and succession planning in accordance with strategic direction.

4. Collaborates with other Small Business functions and Commercial areas, Product and Business Unit Management to help achieve continued profitability, growth and/or operational efficiencies for Small Business.

5. Provides overall direction for and adherence to underwriting authority delegation, audit criteria and catastrophe management for manually underwritten policies in Small Business.

6. Evaluates underwriting performance based upon financial analysis, including performance metrics, reserve adequacy studies, operational efficiency strategies, expense planning and management, and product reviews.  Provides results to members of the underwriting management team and develops plans to resolve issues and underperforming business.

7. Collaborates with business partners in Risk Control, Actuarial, Claims, Operations, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and Global Product teams to address governance and compliance issues related to underwriting practices.

8. Provides guidance and direction in the development of underwriting resources and training tools.

9. Maintains strong relationships with the Enterprise & Small Business Sales & Distribution teams as well as business partners and customers to assess risk tolerance, market appetite and emerging issues.

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Vice President, Small Business Underwriting

Skills, Knowledge & 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. Proven track record or mutually successful agent/broker relationships.
3. Leadership and management skills, demonstrating integrity and professionalism.
4. Ability to drive results by identifying and resolving problems within scope of responsibility.
5. Knowledge of the P&C insurance industry, its products and services.
6. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software.

7. Strong negotiation skills, excellent verbal and written skills and demonstrated analytical skills.

8. Embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion, nurturing the diverse culture created within the CNA enterprise.

9. Viewed as a thought leader and trusted advisor within the insurance Industry

Education & Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree with master’s degree 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 Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) preferred.

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CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact leaveadministration@cna.com.