AVP, Middle Market Strategy and Business Execution Lead

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. 

CNA seeks to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees that helps them — and their family members — achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals.

For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, check out our Candidate Guide.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Job Description Summary

Officer position responsible for organizing and driving the execution of strategic and operational business initiatives for CNA’s Middle Market business unit. This role serves as an advisor and counsel to the Head of Middle Market and the Middle Market Executive Leadership team to prioritize initiatives, oversee program management and act as a liaison between key stakeholders.

In addition to aligning executive stakeholders to support the strategic direction of the business unit, they will be responsible to ensure leaders and teams are held accountable to translate plans into desired action. This role will ensure plans are defined and aligned, facilitating collaboration and monitoring progress with data-driven analysis and reporting.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills are required to influence at various levels across stakeholder groups. Proven executive presentation and communication skills are required to command the attention and respect of the audience and to inform, align and guide them at the appropriate level of detail.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

1. Partners with Middle Market executive leadership to shape the business unit strategy and strategic and operational initiatives.

2. Manages the portfolio of Middle Market strategic and operational initiatives. The specific role on each project varies based on needs, i.e., Lead, Guide, or Track.

3. Ensures implementation of underwriting strategies and best practices with substantial impact on the short-term success and long-term viability of Middle Market.

4. Ensures the achievement of continued profitability, growth and/or operational efficiencies for Middle Market through assessment of risk tolerance, market appetite and emerging risk issues.

5. Acts as a liaison, when necessary, with the Global Property and Global Casualty Underwriting Teams.

6. Monitors the market landscape, keeping a pulse on key trends impacting the Middle Market segment including competitor/distributor actions, loss trends, macroeconomic changes, etc. Translates key trends into actionable insights for Middle Market Leadership.

7. Advances a data-driven culture within Middle Market, translating data into actionable insights. Maintains direct connectivity with the Portfolio Management and Finance teams.

8. Engages directly with the enterprise Strategy & Transformation Office (STO) to ensure connectivity and alignment between global CNA strategies and Middle Market.

9. Collaborates with the Middle Market leadership team and stakeholders to develop executive-level presentations to create consistent CNA Middle Market brand recognition and visibility.

10. Leads the development of critical materials for Middle Market Leadership Team meetings and other ad hoc leadership meetings throughout the year.

11. Collaborates with business partners in Legal, Risk Control, Actuarial, Claim, Operations and Compliance to drive projects and address issues and opportunities across the business unit.

12. Acts as the liaison with Information Technology to ensure systems and applications meet the demands of Middle Market.

13. May engage external stakeholders, including brokers and customers, where necessary to advance critical initiatives.

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Typically VP and above

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

1. In-depth technical knowledge of underwriting theories and practices within the commercial insurance field, including key players, products and services.

2. Ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbal, and collaborate with leaders, stakeholders and peers.

3. Ability to effectively navigate matrixed organizational structures.

4. Leadership and management skills, demonstrating ethical behaviors, integrity, professionalism and