VP, Lead Underwriter, Europe Construction & Engineering Division

Take the next step in your career with us. Allied World is an ideal place for talented professionals who are driven by a belief in the value of collaboration and the power of knowledge. We believe that when our great people work together and support one another, our clients receive the best solutions. We embrace unique perspectives and empower each person to grow through professional development, career training and mentoring programs. Our people are our most important asset, and we are very proud of the quality of our team members.

Description of the role

This position is responsible for underwriting a diverse book of business, employing the methods necessary to meet projected profitability, GWP, and expense goals, management and growth of the overall portfolio of business within the appropriate underwriting discipline/guidelines, marketing and servicing of existing and potential insured’s. This role has responsibility for supporting the regional / global head in setting strategic goals, setting budgets and developing the technical underwriting team.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• General underwriting functions including underwriting submission review, pricing analysis, setting of terms and conditions.
• Authorising of quotes and invoices in accordance with company guidelines.
• Responsible for timely and correct issuance of bound policies.
• Crafting of wordings and endorsements for authorisation by legal.
• Providing direction to the Junior Underwriters and/or Underwriting Assistant in the timely processing of Policy/Endorsement wordings.
• Perform extensive account analysis according to underwriting guidelines which to include thorough review of underwriting application/submission, research, reviewing requested terms and conditions including underlying policy forms when issuing on a follow-form basis, liaising with other Company departments to establish full understanding of risk exposures and completion of underwriting worksheet.
• Active role in the development of business in Global Markets, exploring opportunities and marketing within the London Market and abroad as required.
• Supporting the regional head departmental Vice President in setting strategic goals, setting budgets and producing regular Management Information.
• Accountable for the maintenance of underwriting files in an orderly and consistent manner and in accordance with the underwriting guidelines.
• Liaise with actuarial support to develop premium benchmarking and pricing models, with development of account pricing/recommendations.
• Liaise with Claims Department on any specific claim activity and overall market claim concerns which could potentially affect profitability.
• Stay current with respect to major market and industry issues and developments.
• Relationship management - external, via attendance at key, relevant client/broker meetings, and other social outings as applicable.
• Corresponding with brokers with respect to outstanding information pursuant to binding.
• Ensuring receipt of and review of outstanding information (including underlying/followed policies) to ensure consistency with the terms and conditions agreed at binding.
• Delegation (and supervision) of work to Underwriting Operations Assistants or Assistant Underwriters as deemed appropriate; responsible for the professional development and training of assigned team members.
• Accountability for a specific region P&L: including budgeting; regional market reporting; client and broker BD and a point of contact for the designated region.
• Attendance at Lloyd’s box as required.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Person Specification

• Ideally, graduate-level individual with professional insurance qualification, ACII, already obtained.
• Engineering degree (civil or mechanical engineer) would be preferable.
• Required 12+ years demonstrable experience underwriting major international construction projects, with expertise and in-depth working knowledge of standard market wordings and endorsements.
• Must be highly articulate, with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills – required for significant liaison with clients and brokers including delivering effective presentations and building strong working relationships.
• Strong marketing and business development capability – commercial acumen; ability to influence and negotiate to various levels of seniority, internally and externally.
• Highly computer literate, with an advanced level proficiency using an underwriting system. Knowledge of Genius and Open Box is a distinct advantage.
• Methodical approach to work, strong organization skills; capable of dealing with tight reporting deadlines and conflicting priorities; attention to detail.
• Overall, team player with collaborative outlook – acting as a role model for more junior members of the team.

Working at Allied World

• Instant membership in the Allied World — a global network of colleagues who will support your career journey.
• A manager who will help you build your career through a structured coaching program.
• Access to a full suite of learning and development tools and resources.

Allied World is an equal opportunity employer. Subject to applicable law, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religions or belief, gender, age, disability, military service, marital or civil partnership status, family status, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law or regulation in the relevant jurisdiction where we operate.