The Operations Chief Underwriter (OCU) is to ensure profitable decision making within the operations as a member of the management team. It is essential for the incumbent to convey, with conviction and authority, appropriate action on individual prospects and clients as well as operational procedures and strategy for its territory that leads to profitable growth.
The OCU would need to exercise, delegate and manage underwriting authority wtihin the operations for the prudent deployment of capacity commensurate with premium income. The OCU ensures underwriting decisions are consistent with stated risk appetites and works with the respective managers to develop prospect strategy for both near and longer-term growth of the operation and retention of current clients.
The OCU acts as a key liaison with, and underwriting resource to, the Division and Staff Underwriting. The incumbent would need to leverage advanced underwriting knowledge and experience to evaluate the underwriting effectiveness of the operations as well as the effectiveness of individuals; strengthen underwriting discipline through day-to-day oversight of underwriting practices, development plans and management of the book.
Main Responsibilities:
- Provides input to operations management on the integrity of underwriting decisions on new and renewal business through participation on account reviews and consultation with underwriters on account strategic plan development.
- Evaluates the underwriting skills and knowledge of operations staff and modifies individual underwriting authority accordingly.
- Exercises their own expanded underwriting authority to grant exceptions to underwriting requirements which support profitable growth and retention.
- Remains abreast of underwriting developments in the marketplace and is a key liaison with the Division and Staff Underwriting in development and implementation of underwriting change.
- Ensures continuous development of underwriting skills in the operation through analysis of individual underwriting expertise. Working with the respective underwriting management, ensure appropriate development plans are in place for individual underwriters. Provide day-to-day coaching and mentorship as needed.
- Provides underwriting leadership and oversight through establishment and implementation of audit and review practices and procedures at both the account and portfolio level. Acts as the direct manager over select underwriting personnel as directed by the Operation Manager.
