Vice President- Atlanta Region & Small Commercial Underwriting

Pay Philosophy 

The typical starting salary for this position is determined by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, acquired skills, experience, education, and certifications/designations. This position may be eligible for annual merit increases and participation in our bonus program.

What are we looking for?

This role has two executive responsibilities.  Primary responsibility is leading the production, underwriting, and marketing of a profitable book of property/casualty business in the geographic region serviced by the regional office and providing general administration of assigned regional office.  Secondary responsibility to act as the company subject matter expert on small commercial underwriting and sales, straight through processing, underwriting portal, and small business underwriting operations. 

Who we are and what we do?

Here at Columbia Insurance Group, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Which is why our robust employee benefits and fun, family-like culture is something we pride ourselves on. Our commitment to our mission revolves around building and maintaining enduring relationships with our customers, and the only way to achieve that is by bringing together a team of skilled, passionate, and talented individuals.

Why us?

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Generous paid time off (PTO), paid company holidays, paid maternity/paternity leave, and supplemental sick leave
• Family-like culture
• Year-round wellness initiatives
• Company sponsored events
• Company Car
• Opportunities for professional development with conferences, events, and continued education

Company History

Our legacy has roots back to 1889 when we first became part of the mutual insurance movement in the Midwest. Today, our extensive heritage resonates nationwide, as we proudly serve customers in 14 states across the country.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead all underwriting actions to achieve the regional office P&L goals set collaboratively with the Chief Underwriting Officer.
• Lead the staffing, development, and training of all underwriting staff reporting to the regional office and support broader company training initiatives as needed.
• Effectively communicate (both written and verbal) with the regional office underwriting, loss control, and premium audit personnel, internal business partners, and external business partners and agency staff.
• Support the marketing, loss control, premium audit, and administrative needs of the regional office to achieve established P&L objectives.
• Prepare and adhere to an annual operating plan/budget consistent with the corporate strategic plan and objectives.
• In collaboration with the Vice President - Agency Distribution and Management, direct the marketing and production activities of the regional office territory managers, underwriters, and middle market underwriters to achieve established production objectives, including the appointment and management of the regional office agency roster.
• Lead development of annual Small Commercial business plans in collaboration with Chief Underwriting Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other key business partners and stakeholders, as needed.
• In collaboration with the Chief Underwriting Officer and other market segment leaders, develop and lead the Small Commercial go-to-market strategy that aligns with the organization’s overarching strategy.
• Maintain relevant marketplace competitive intelligence for both the assigned regional office and the small commercial segment regarding carriers, rate, product, rules, and appetite. 
• Collaborate with key business partners and stakeholders in the development and/or maintenance of policy forms, rates, appetite, and underwriting controls.
• Sponsor, lead, and support projects at both the regional office and corporate level as directed by Chief Underwriting Officer, including active an role on Business Development Committee and participating in corporate and regional strategic planning efforts.
• Product Owner of Columbia Insurance’s online agency and policyholder facing portals (names TBD)
• In collaboration with the Chief Underwriting Officer, lead Columbia Insurance’s initiatives to achieve benchmarked efficiency goals in new and renewal underwriting.
• Act as a key stakeholder in Columbia Insurance’s Data and Analytics committee and drive company maturity in the use of Data and Analytics to direct company planning
• Represent the company at industry meetings and seminars and assist in the monitoring of legislative and regulatory activity.
• Administer company policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• At least 7+ years of leadership of property & casualty commercial lines underwriting and marketing operation with heavy emphasis in profitable underwriting in an independent agency distribution model.
• Possess strong leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Strong technical and analytical skills including and understanding of the use of predictive models in risk selection and pricing.
• Understanding of the state and regulatory requirements of commercial small to middle market property casualty business.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to express ideas effectively in individual and group settings.
• Possess the ability to flex their personal style in order to effectively communicate with all individuals throughout the organization, agents, and policyholders in order to build trust and open communication.
• Become knowledgeable of the organization to identify problems and opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and guide others toward goal achievement.
• Experience working effectively with teams and individually.  Ability to show initiative, taking prompt, self-directed action to accomplish objectives.
• Must be self-motivated and directed and able to handle multiple tasks.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business Administration, Finance, or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• A CPCU and other industry related designations strongly preferred
• Knowledge of and agency relationships in the branch servicing area

EOE

Columbia Insurance prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are unable to complete the electronic application for any reason, please contact Mandi Giboney: mgiboney@colinsgrp.com 573-777-4087