E&S Executive Underwriting Manager

Berkley Aspire is an excess & surplus lines insurer of commercial risks unable to find a home in the standard markets. We are an operating unit of WR Berkley, a publicly traded global insurer founded in 1967. We make excess & surplus lines easy for our distribution partners and the businesses they represent. The lines of coverage we underwrite include general liability, property, and excess liability. Our model is different than our competitors; we do the premium billing without adding interest/finance percentage, offer enhanced commissions, and handle the stamping, affidavit filings, and other behind-the-scenes paperwork. Our company culture is entrepreneurial, employee-centric, and focused on sustainable growth. Aspire teammates work either remotely or on a hybrid schedule from offices in Scottsdale, Cincinnati, and Richmond.

If you are looking for a company that offers room for advancement, great benefits, and positive vibes, then Aspire may be the place for you!

Responsibilities

• The Manager, E&S Executive Underwriting will lead our Executive Underwriting team to provide technical assistance in the Home Office Underwriting Department on special projects, product and guideline development, form and endorsement development, underwriting audits, corporate initiatives, training and development, and product-specific research while also acting as a referral authority, mentor, and trainer to the underwriting team.
• This role can be located on site in any of our three offices - Scottsdale, AZ, West Chester, OH, or Glen Allen, VA.

Specific Duties

• Lead and coach the Executive Underwriting team through an advanced understanding of underwriting and pricing guidelines, new product development, process enhancements, execution of underwriting strategy, and technical expertise.
• Handle account referrals outside of individual underwriter authority.
• Lead and direct the Executive Underwriters on initiatives such as Underwriting Audit/Quality Control (QC) process to drive underwriting quality.
• Conduct book profitability analyses and develop corresponding action plans.
• Develop and facilitate technical training classes.
• Collaborate with the Underwriting leadership team on changes to underwriting appetite and assist in communication and documentation.
• Mentor and coach new associates and less experienced team members.
• Partner with Product Leadership in new product development efforts including initiation, research, and implementation of new products as well as product/process enhancements.
• Stay abreast and knowledgeable on market research, trends, and conditions to guide our business and achieve objectives.
• Collaborate with other departments to resolve issues.
• Lead delivery of appropriate customer service levels for referral underwriting.
• Determine and lead delivery of training and development based on individual and unit needs, coaching, developing, and providing feedback to associates.
• Lead and participate in projects and initiatives as assigned by leadership.
• May perform other functions as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of P&C insurance industry experience.
• Surplus lines experience required.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and effectively influence internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Advanced knowledge of insurance principles, rates, rules, forms, procedures, regulations, coverages, and business processes.
• Ability to analyze complex administrative or business problems, evaluate alternatives, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Strong research skills and project management experience are required.
• Proven ability to mentor and train personnel.
• BS/BA college degree preferred.

Benefit Highlights

• Aspire offers Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Our onsite Scottsdale, AZ Wellness Center and companywide Employee Assistance Program are free to employees and support overall well-being.
• Flexible work schedule with a work-from-home day allows for work-life balance.
• Health Savings Accounts have automatic company contributions if you sign up, along with Flexible Spending Accounts, STD, LTD, life insurance policies, and more.
• We offer a 401(k) program, profit-sharing program, and stock purchase plan.
• Competitive paid time off, paid sick time, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Paid holidays, a floating holiday, and paid volunteer time.
• Company-sponsored conferences, tuition assistance, and industry-related education and exams.
• We believe in working hard and playing hard, embracing team building and sponsoring fun activities inside and outside of the office.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full-time regular employees. The salary for this position will be determined by various factors, including the scope, complexity, and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials, and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.