Director, Underwriting Operations

Company Details

Preferred Employers Insurance, A Berkley Company specializes in providing workers’ compensation insurance to California business owners. The company serves three major Client Segments: Small Business, Mid-Larger Businesses and Programs (Groups & Association Members). The company’s distribution partners (agents & brokers) number 400 locations throughout the state. Preferred serves 10,000 policyholders and provides medical claims handling and claims management for policyholders as needed to care for injured workers. The company is rated A+ Superior by industry-rating organization, AM Best & Company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

This leadership position is primarily responsible for providing California and multi-state technical, regulatory, and operational guidance for the underwriting department.  Specific areas of focus include underwriting process and procedures, policy coverage, forms and endorsements, state regulations and rules, departmental systems and other oversight responsibilities as assigned. Through mentoring and training of staff the Underwriting Operations Director will enhance technical skill development and support and provide oversight to the administrative support function for the Underwriting Department.  This position will be actively involved in the development and execution of strategic initiatives involving efficiency improvement, operational excellence and service experience. This individual will support policy system maintenance and enhancement. Continuous improvement of departmental operations and best practices are critical elements of this position.  This is a leadership role that requires a collaborative team-oriented approach.  This individual is also key in promoting an innovative mindset at all levels.

Key functions include but are not limited to:

• Takes a lead role in analysis, research and projects involving the underwriting function
• Acts as a liaison between Underwriting, Bamtech (I/T), and other functional areas to drive Underwriting projects to successful completion and implementation.
• Serves as a process resource and provides guidance to underwriting staff on practices necessary for optimal production.
• Assists in the development of critical strategic initiatives such as building out a new small business unit, transitioning from legacy systems to modern platforms, and other efforts to modernize workflows and system tools.
• Provides California and national expertise on various subjects to support company expansion of underwriting strategy, procedures, or systems development.
• Keeps informed on legislative, regulatory, and administrative changes that impact the Underwriting function.
• Communicates and coordinates with Underwriting Department Management, and other departments on underwriting regulatory changes, compliance requirements, and emerging issues.
• Identifies training needs, initiates training agendas and materials, and conducts classes.
• Develops and maintains underwriting resource materials, manuals and database information for underwriting department.
• Provides oversight and ensures compliance with various external data feeds.
• Champions an innovative and creative thinking culture.
• Assists in program development, affinity group management, and identifies and implements the administrative support needed. Researches, evaluates, and implements Best Practices
• Actively involved in system enhancements and conversions, contributing ideas and information to elevate system capabilities, efficiency, and ease of use.
• Demonstrates a professional, courteous attitude with distribution partners. Responds quickly and ethically to all requests/issues.
• Interacts with staff in a positive and optimistic manner. Helps promote corporate strategy and objectives.
• Assists as needed with corporate audits.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree preferred.
• 10+ years of Workers Compensation and Casualty lines underwriting/operations experience. 5+ years of experience in California workers’ compensation underwriting, operations or equivalent.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams. Includes strategic planning, financial management, speed to market, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. Develops client relevant Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) and measures success/accountability with Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
• Customer Focus: Commitment to delivering exceptional