The Chief Operations Officer (COO) for the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Division is a senior executive accountable for the operational, technological, and executional performance of the US Wholesale & Specialty division - driving underwriting productivity, technology enablement, operational excellence, and broker service to deliver targeted combined ratio and growth outcomes.
Job ResponsibilitiesStrategic Operations Leadership- Own the W&S operating model across regions, underwriting support, service, and workflow
- Set the vision for the future W&S operating model, articulating a progressive, AI enabled end-state and the path to achieve it
- Lead transformation initiatives that improve speed, quality, and expense ratio
- Drive organizational clarity, decision rights, and process consistency
Technology, Digital, and Data Ownership- Oversee a federated W&S technology organization aligned to business priorities
- Set and own the W&S IT roadmap in partnership with enterprise architecture
- Lead modernization of underwriting, workflow, portals, and automation (including AI)
- Ensure data accessibility, MI/analytics support, and performance transparency
- Provide transparency on allocations/chargebacks and clearly articulate the value and outcomes delivered by any remaining central operations
Execution of P&L-Critical Initiatives- Improve underwriting productivity (referrals, cycle times, low-touch workflows)
- Enhance ease of doing business for brokers and underwriters
- Drive implementation of digital trading and small-risks automation
- Improve operational SLAs and service outcomes
Governance, Cadence & Leadership- Lead W&S Ops leadership meetings; co-own IT & Ops prioritization forums
- Drive alignment across underwriting, claims, Ops, IT, HR, and finance
- Ensure effective preparation for quarterly business reviews, regional P&L, and reserving meetings
People, Culture & Talent- Build a high-performing integrated Ops/IT/Data organization
- Mentor and develop operational and technology leaders
- Promote a culture of empowerment, speed, and continuous improvement
Education- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Insurance, Information Technology, or a related field
Work Experience/Skill Set- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in insurance operations, with a focus on wholesale and specialty insurance
- Demonstrated expertise in underwriting processes and IT systems
- Demonstrated AI fluency, including the ability to identify high-value use cases, govern risk, and scale AI-enabled workflows across operations and underwriting
- Have a proven track record at a senior leadership level of driving and owning large scale change.
- Possess an excellent understanding of all aspects of our insurance business plans and growth aspirations
- Stay ahead of external trends and ensure creativity and innovation across all aspects of our operations
- Be confident in leading and influencing senior leadership teams from across the organization, along with managing multiple stakeholder groups at all levels
- Proven experience of driving process efficiency and an ability to define process excellence
- Have an ability to coach, mentor and inspire, both within direct team structure and across the organization
US Work AuthorizationUS Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.
Pay information:The base salary offered for the successful candidate will be based on compensable factors such as job-relevant education, job-relevant experience, training, licensure, demonstrated competencies, geographic location, and other factors. Title and salary will be commensurate with skill set/experience. The national average salary for the Chief Operations Officer, Wholesale & Specialty is $317,000 - $387,000 with 65% incentive and 35% LTI.
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