Manager, Business Operations

Company Details

 

Rated Best Places to Work 2024 by Business Insurance, Continental Western Group is a regional property casualty insurance company offering commercial products and services through independent agents in the Midwest. CWG provides unique value through the service provided by our experienced group of employees and independent agents. Since 1886 - Strong, Local and Trusted.

 

As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver quality coverage solutions.  W. R. Berkley Corporation, and all member insurance companies, are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, and carry Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating of A+ (Strong).

 

This role will be based in our Urbandale, IA office.  We offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so.

 

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

As our Manager, Business Operations you will drive operations and process improvement activities across all regions, states, and leaders.  You'll contribute to the successful achievement of business objectives through the development and execution of efficient and effective business processes.  We'll trust you to oversee all operations that connect to Underwriting, Business Development, Risk Management, Analytics, and Actuarial.  You'll be integral to driving change management implementations for the regions in underwriting and business development. 

 

What you can expect:

• Culture of innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent
• Internal mobility opportunities 
• Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams
• Opportunity to impact change
• Benefits – competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education

We'll count on you to:

• Plans, directs, and executes the company’s vision by ensuring best practices are established, shared, and utilized.  Recommends refining existing operations to ensure consistent and coordinated outcomes.  Ensures that continuous improvement processes are executed to support the achievement of business results and, most importantly, continued efficiency improvements and expense reductions.  Indirect leadership of cross-functional teams will be expected.
• Directs related to servicing of commercial new business, renewals, endorsements, and other transactions.  Analyze processes and workflow, including recommendations and modifications for process improvement and increased efficiency. 
• Leads business operations through all stages; research, development, and deployment for all Underwriting and Risk Services functions.  Understands and employs cutting-edge technology and competitive intelligence to better position CWG in the market.  Leads the development and deployment of vendor tools.   Leads the change management planning, deployment and communications for innovative and new roll outs in underwriting and risk management. 
• Works in conjunction with the product team to execute and implement new products and go-to-market strategies into the marketplace.  Will be the key leader in the change management process, from planning, developing, to execution and roll out. 
• Develops and maintains relationships with other Berkley operating units to capitalize on business opportunities and efficiencies.  Demonstrates successful collaboration with business development teams and other Berkley operational wins.  Serves as liaison to Business Application units providing feedback and testing support as needed.  Collaborates with RSS and BTS staff for problem resolution and system efficiencies.
• Assists with coordination and influences company’s trade affiliation and penetration.  Provides feedback and oversite for agency meeting venue, agenda, etc. 
• Fosters a positive environment by modeling cultural expectations.  Attracts, coaches and develops talent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to indirectly lead people and influence others to achieve results
• Strong business acumen, including sales and underwriting acumen
• Marketing intelligence experience and application
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of small and middle market insurance products and coverages, insurance laws, regulations, re