AVP, Financial Institutions

We are seeking an experienced Underwriter to join our Financial Institutions team based in our Chicago, IL office. The Financial Institutions Underwriter is responsible for pursing new business opportunities, servicing renewals, and working to provide solutions to our key broker partners while upholding a high standard of underwriting care. This position will serve wholesale and retail brokers across the United States with a focus on the Central region and will have the opportunity to build a profitable portfolio of primary and excess placements comprised of Private Equity Funds, Hedge Funds, Venture Capital Funds, Banks, Insurance Companies, REITs, Specialty Finance Companies, Exchanges, other risks within the financial institution ecosystem.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Support the expansion of the Financial Institutions Portfolio in line the team’s underwriting strategy 
• Develop a strong understanding of the underwriting strategy for assigned territory 
• Develop skills required to manage business areas, including underwriting & pricing, claims, and broker and client relationships
• Participate in the underwriting peer review process at underwriting meetings, as required.
• Underwrite in compliance with the Company’s underwriting standards.
• Ownership of broker/agency relationships including delivering high level expectations. Leads and/or participates in agency analysis and planning. Develops and executes an effective agency strategy to grow the business. Developing action plans to grow with supportive brokers including proprietary form review.
• Business travel as required                         
• Gathers pertinent competitive information to assist in product development recommendations.
  Critical Competencies:
  • Leadership: Effective engagement and motivation of underwriters to achieve organizational objectives aligned with the regional vision and values
  • Underwriting Acumen: Demonstrates deep technical knowledge of products, competitors and wholesale marketplace. 
  • Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to build strong key account relationships and manage customer expectations in changing market conditions. Proven track record promoting business retention and profitable growth.
  • Sales and Marketing: Working knowledge of products and marketplace. Demonstrated ability to market and sell WSP’s differentiated; value added coverage and service advantages. Proven prospecting skills and effective use of sales and marketing tools. 
  • Agency Management: Ability to build strong agency relationships and manage expectations under dynamic market conditions. 
  • Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with multiple business units, stakeholders. Demonstrates effective consultation and partnership skills.
  • Communications: Demonstrated ability to manage communications and awareness effectively between various parties of interest, including brokers/agents, Branches, Product Managers and Senior Management. 

                                                                     

Desired Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of high-level Financial Lines or D&O underwriting experience, Financial Institutions experience highly preferred
• Strong technical knowledge of Financial Lines from an Underwriting background to develop/maintain market knowledge 
• Bachelors degree, strong preference for degree with a field related major/concentration 
• Training and development of staff
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, and ability to multi-task
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high pressure environment
• Willingness to travel
• Must be able to think originally, be willing to challenge ideas and be receptive to having their own ideas challenged
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Must be a team player that enjoys a flexible and spontaneous business environment.
• Ability to be onsite in office 4 days a week

 

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.

 

#LI-D