Vice President (VP)-Underwriting is responsible for producing, underwriting, managing and retaining profitable business for the company. The primary objective of the VP-Underwriting is to underwrite, maintain and grow the Ambridge portfolio in accordance with the business plan, strategy, authority levels, company policy and regulatory environment for a specific product and/or line of business.
VP-Underwriting reports directly to the Managing Director with shared responsibility for the underwriting performance for the respective product line at Ambridge. Working in conjunction with the MD, VP-Underwriting is expected to plan and implement activities within their team to ensure Ambridge meets is underwriting business objectives
Underwriting- Provide advanced technical expertise with service of new and existing clients through cross-selling opportunities, account development, execution of client requests and problem solving in accordance with the objectives and procedures based on Ambridge core values and standards.
- Manage the entire underwriting cycle for individual accounts and assist in the preparation of and calculation of underwriting figures for input into the Business Plan
- Lead and provide guidance to other team members in the development and successful completion of individual and departmental goals; liaise consistently with MD on progress and performance of other team members
- Review evaluations of relevant underwriting and risk information; further communicate findings and analysis to senior management.
- Initiate pricing discussions on new and renewal accounts; liaise with Actuarial and management to ensure pricing approach is competitive yet profitable
- Ensure that business is being carried out within underwriting capacity.
- Continuously review portfolio for exposures and pricing adjustments. Develop recommendations for changes to portfolio and pricing that align with the overall strategy and risk appetite of the Ambridge and capacity partners.
- Participate in, debate and discuss accounts at Peer Review meetings; initiate and develop solutions as issues arise.
- Identify and raise issues with in-force accounts / risks; using best judgement, liaise with a variety of other disciplines including claims, legal and/or loss control on issues; recommend solutions to ensure risks are mitigated or referred to management.
- Advise clients on policy coverages and policy contract wording.
- Ensure that all submissions are written within regulatory guidelines.
- Participate in discussions on risks written with capacity partners
Business Planning / Management Information- Prepare and maintain significant management reports and make recommendations in matters of significance for SVP and Management; provide overall financial performance (including underwriting gain/loss) analysis for regional / product line initiatives.
- Provide SVP and Management with custom management information (MI), including but not limited to; updates on operational performance, budgets, forecasts, financial plans, statistical reports, and productivity reports.
- Work with MD and Management in preparation of revenue and expense budget and monitor budget to ensure compliance with profit and growth objectives set for Ambridge.
- Prepare studies, reports, analysis, and recommendations in areas such as Study economic and statistical data; devise methods and procedures for collecting and processing data; review and analyze economic data in order to prepare reports detailing research conclusions and to stay abreast of economic changes.
Marketing- Develop new business opportunities that align with the underwriting strategy at Ambridge
- Travel to and participate/lead client meetings; use judgement on how best to balance costs with business needs.
- Maintain key client relationships critical to the on-going success of the business
- Encourage dialogue with other market practitioners to gain the benefit of market information.
Operational- Establish and maintain knowledge of internal controls and all procedures relating to underwriting.
- Foster team behavior and a sales-oriented department culture.
- Participate, as needed, in interviewing, hiring, training, and development of staff.
- Work with Company Leaders identifying areas of improvement, create efficiencies and improve margins.
- Develop and implement procedures based on applicable laws, regulations, rules, guidance and industry standards.
- Contribute to the operational integration of new acquisitions within the organization.
- Identify, plan and resolve routine department coverage and workload issues. Take necessary action to resolve issues.
Decision Making Responsibilities:
- Underwrite Insurance submissions in accordance with the approved business plan, subject to individual authority levels; refer to the MD as appropriate.
- Participate and present own risks written at Peer Review meetings to articulate analytical approach to underwriting decisions.
