Bind Underwriter II

POSITION SUMMARY

The Bind Underwriter II ("BU") is responsible for developing and maintaining a profitable book of commercial casualty and property business written through wholesale producers (i.e., agents and brokers) with binding authority for IFG Companies. The BU is expected to develop strong relationships with assigned producers to produce a consistent flow of profitable business. Bind producers directly access IFG Companies' proprietary Bind underwriting system ("GROW"), which provides a portal for the producer to quote, bind and issue policies. To support the underwriting and quoting process, the BU will employ IFG Companies' approved forms and advanced underwriting tools, which include GROW, predictive analytics, third-party data and proprietary rating tools that enhance risk selection, evaluation, quoting, binding and policy issuance.

The BU will monitor the risks, classes and profitability of business written or referred by Bind producers and take actions, as appropriate, to ensure the resulting book of business is balanced, profitable and within established underwriting authority and guidelines.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDING

Bind Underwriting Book Management

• Meeting and working with Bind producers in assigned territories to generate high-quality business flow that meets IFG Companies' underwriting appetite and guidelines.
• Assisting assigned producers in learning to use GROW and understanding IFG Companies' embedded underwriting guidelines such that producers will be able to identify business that falls within their binding authority and understand when business requires referral to the BU.
• Evaluating pricing and coverage terms on referred risks, with assistance from IFG Companies' rating tools, while following underwriting guidelines and coverage terms as respects the class of business being considered.
• Meeting profitability, production and marketing goals for the BU's book of business and monitoring the performance of the BU's new and renewal business to determine what underwriting actions are most appropriate with respect to pricing, renewal, non-renewal or changes in coverage terms.
• Maintaining excellent communication with Bind producers so they know what to expect at renewal, are then less likely to move the business and are given timely notification whenever possible, if non-renewal or changed terms are expected.
• Monitoring Bind policy premium audits to determine whether uprating or other actions are appropriate based on changes in insureds' operations and/or exposures.
• Keeping Bind producers well informed about IFG Companies' Bind product-line offerings and target classes, which are predominantly within commercial general liability coverages.
• Providing or seeking referral advice to and/or from other underwriters, the regional director, the unit head and/or Corporate Underwriting, re individual risk acceptance or declination, renewals or non-renewals, pricing and terms, when appropriate.
• Performing other duties as required.

General Underwriting Responsibilities

• Exhibiting sound judgment and strong technical knowledge of Bind underwriting principles, while complying with Bind underwriting guidelines that apply to the risks being underwritten.
• Keeping informed of industry, competitor and claim trends that may impact the relative and absolute attractiveness of risks being underwritten.
• Being or becoming a subject matter expert for certain classes of business that are within IFG Companies' Bind underwriting appetite.
• Being generally familiar with regulatory and contractual considerations as regards contingent renewals or non-renewals to ensure compliance with respective state regulations and consulting with IFG Companies' Compliance unit, when needed.
• Promoting the IFG Companies' brand and assisting marketing efforts by providing the Bind team with product feedback as to competitors, products and the overall marketplace.
• Regularly traveling to meet with assigned producers to build and maintain strong relationships that lead to profitable growth of Bind business.
• Collaborating and assisting other Bind team members on underwriting and marketing matters.
• Training, coaching and mentoring less experienced Bind underwriters and support staff.
• Other duties, as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of commercial casualty and property Bind business, classifications, pricing and coverage options, together with a general understanding of relevant compliance requirements.
• General knowledge of the Bind producer distribution system.
• The ability to manage the BU's book of business within appropriate overall limits and class diversification.
• The ability to analyze data and make well-informed risk selection and risk management decisions.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills that aid in providing solutions for producers and insureds, while protecting IFG Companies' economic interests.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to plan, organize, prioritize and manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, producers and other business partners.
• Strong computer skills and an ability to learn and work with proprietary systems.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Required: minimum of 4+ years of commercial Bind casualty and property underwriting experience, combined with sound knowledge of commercial Bind underwriting coverages.
• Required: A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college/university, with coursework in Risk Management/Insurance a plus.
• Plus: CPCU or other relevant insurance-related designations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position is hybrid and requires the ability and the willingness to work in an IFG Companies office at least three (3) days per week if residing within one-hour commuting distance.
• Physical demands are considered those of a climate-controlled office environment with minimal physical exertion.
• Position requires prolonged sitting, extensive utilization of computers, and interactions with others in person and via phone.
• Position requires the ability and the willingness to travel when required to meet business needs.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $95,000 to $135,000. Additionally, the position may be eligible to earn incentive compensation.

IFG Companies offers competitive compensation and benefits, currently including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, vacation, and other paid time off.