Underwriting Manager jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

UFG is currently seeking a Surety Underwriting Manager who will be accountable for producing a profitable mix of new and existing surety business for our agents.  This role will be using relationship-building skills to help underwriters produce and underwrite a profitable book of surety business by working closely with independent agents. Strong analytical skills will be put to good use to evaluate new opportunities for acceptability within company risk parameters. This position has a key role in setting company risk parameters. It is expected that this individual will be traveling with primary underwriters to visit current and potential contractors’ places of business to better assess their capabilities. In addition, they will make regular agency calls to assist with agents’ growth and profitability goals.  As a leader, the Surety Underwriting Manager will promote a great company image and provide excellent customer service to those encountered, including all surety department staff.  This role is also responsible for assisting other managers in the development of underwriters and staff.  They would also be a strong advocate for all surety products, including non-contract surety.  They help identify, set, implement, and monitor goals, objectives, and direction for the surety department.  Extensive travel is required, including frequent overnight travel.     

Responsibilities: 

• Travel may include agency engagement, call on larger contracting accounts, attend national and regional meetings, seminars, evaluate underwriting staff performing contractor/agency visits and deliver contingency checks as needed.
• Daily review of accounts and bid requests that exceed individual underwriter’s authority levels.
• Contribute to decisions on and communicate departmental direction and underwriting philosophy.
• Project premium for the region at least quarterly.
• Administer expense management for the region in alignment with goals for the surety unit.
• Administer quarterly performance reviews for direct reports and contribute to those that report up through you.
• Assist in setting employee goals through APPR format, hire new staff, and handle needed performance issues which could include terminations.
• Assist with developing departmental goals, planning, and salary administration.
• Key role in quality assurance, portfolio analysis and compliance. Oversee and personally conduct monthly file audits on new business and as needed on each underwriter.
• Stay abreast of industry information regarding competition, pertinent laws and legal occurrences, rates, underwriting trends, etc., and pass this information on to the staff.
• Ensure United's surety unit offers service that is amongst the top in our industry.
• Review and make recommendations on filings for various states, including rates, commissions, rules, and programs.
• Set up training seminars, encourage staff to take classes, identify training needs, assist with professional development for underwriting staff.
• Projects related to efficiency, automation, and other special interests of the department or company.
• Visit agents to update them on products, ensure marketing materials state our intended purpose, resolve problems, solicit new agents, etc.

Qualifications: 

Education: 

• Bachelors’ degree.
  • Concentration in Business Administration, Economics, Finance or Accounting are preferred.
• MBA is preferred.

Certifications/Designations: 

• Employees are expected to participate in continuing education throughout their careers.
• Must have a valid and current drivers’ license and must have acceptable driving record in accordance with Company practice.
• AFSB designation preferred.

Experience: 

• 15 years of surety underwriting experience.
• Prior management or supervision experience is preferred.

Skills & Knowledge:  

Skills: 

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, to answer questions and communicate company expectations to agents, co-workers and staff.
• Must be able to assist others in building and maintaining relationships with agency force to produce a growing and profitable book of business. 
• Strong creative problem solving and analytical skills, with the ability to manage workloads and meet timelines.
• Promote good image for the Company and provide best in class service.
• Must have good negotiation skills and be able to successfully deal with people in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
• Must be self-starting, organized and able to work autonomously.
• Must be able to switch rapidly from one situation to the next the instant the phone rings or when underwriters and staff need assistance.
• Ability to hire, train, develop, mentor, and grow a professional surety team (underwriters, support staff and others).

Knowledge: 

• Strong understanding of the construction industry is essential as well as a thorough understanding of financial statements and overall suretyship.

Working Conditions: 

• General office environment.
• Up to 20% travel, including overnight stays.
• Travel requirements include visits to agents, principals and others at project sites which may result in exposure to adverse weather conditions, and/or results and debris of adverse weather conditions, or general conditions of a construction site or facility.
• Regular work duties may require work outside of business hours.