Regional Underwriting Director - Contract Surety

Crum & Forster Company Overview

Crum & Forster (C&F), with a proud history dating to 1822, provides specialty and standard commercial lines insurance products through our admitted and surplus lines insurance companies. C&F enjoys a financial strength rating of "A+"(Superior) by AM Best and is proud of our superior customer service platform. Our claims and risk engineering services are recognized as among the best in the industry.

Our most valuable asset is our people: more than 2000 employees in locations throughout the United States. The company is increasingly winning recognition as a great place to work, earning several workplace and wellness awards, including the 2024 Great Place to Work® Award for our employee-first focus and our steadfast commitment to diversity, equity and Inclusion.

C&F is part of Fairfax Financial Holdings, a global, billion dollar organization.  For more information about Crum & Forster, please visit our website: www.cfins.com.

Job Description

Regional Underwriting Director, Midwest Region

Location:  Chicago area hybrid

Summary

The Regional UW Director is responsible for the review and analysis of underwriting data to build and maintain a profitable book of business within the territory under minimal supervision.  Manages agency relationships through continued customer service and marketing activities.  Actively contributes as a technical expert in both underwriting activities and department-specific industry knowledge.  Mentors less experienced underwriters to build organizational value.  Manages the underwriting team. Establishes team objectives and goals in line with the business unit and division’s goals.

Minimum

Duties & Responsibilities

• Drives profitability, retention, and written premium goals as determined by the department.
• Manages team and/or territory to help achieve departmental goals
• Make independent decisions within underwriting letter of authority and maintain proper file documentation.
• Assist in developing annual business goals for assigned agents/producers.  Responsible for analyzing results and maintaining accountability of agency partners within the department.
• Maintains awareness of market trends and identifies emerging threats to the department.
• Has an in-depth knowledge of department products and services.
• Can clearly articulate the department’s value proposition.
• May provide input into the development of strategic annual department planning activities.
• Participates in training and initiatives. May participate in projects.
• Travel and a valid driver license is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Recommended Education & Requirements  

·         Bachelor's degree or equivalent and 10+ years of relevant experience. Experience in underwriting preferred. Advanced degree is a plus.

·         Possesses strong communication and analytical skills to pursue new business and manage a significant renewal book.

·         Proficient in software needed to succeed in the department.

·         Excellent organizational and time management skills.

·         Possesses underwriting and industry designations applicable to area of specialization.

What C&F will bring to you

At C&F you will BELONG

We value inclusivity and diversity. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and welcome everyone regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you require special accommodation, please let us know.

For California Residents Only:  Information collected and processed as part of your career profile and any job applications you choose to submit are subject to our privacy notices and policies, visit https://www.cfins.com/onlineprivacypolicy/ca/noticeatcollection/ for more information.

Crum & Forster is committed to ensuring a workplace free from discriminatory pay disparities and complying with applicable pay equity laws.  Salary ranges are available for all positions at this location, taking into account roles with a comparable level of responsibility and impact in the relevant labor market and these salary ranges are regularly reviewed and adjusted in accordance with prevailing market conditions. The annualized base pay for the advertised position, located in the specified area, ranges from a minimum of $105,400 to a maximum of $198,100. The actual compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to the market pay for the jobs at each level, the responsibilities and skills required for each job, and the employee’s contribution (performance) in that role. To be considered within market range, a salary is at or above the minimum of the range. You may also have the opportunity to participate in discretionary equity (stock) based compensation and/or performance-based variable pay programs.

• Flexible work arrangements.
• Competitive compensation package.  
• Generous 401K employer match.
• Employee Stock Purchase plan with employer matching.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Excellent benefits that go beyond health, dental & vision. Our Wellness programs focus on your family’s complete wellness, including your physical and mental wellbeing
• A core C&F principle is that you manage your career. To support your development, we have a wealth of ways for you to keep learning, including tuition reimbursement, industry related certifications and professional training available to you.
• A dynamic, ambitious, fun and exciting work environment.
• A spirit of social responsibility, matching donation program, volunteer opportunities, and an employee driven corporate giving.

#LI-JA1

#LI-Hybrid

Responsibilities

Regional Underwriting Director, Midwest Region
Location:  Chicago area hybrid
Summary

The Regional UW Director is responsible for the review and analysis of underwriting data to build and maintain a profitable book of business within the territory under minimal supervision.  Manages agency relationships through continued customer service and marketing activities.  Actively contributes as a technical expert in both underwriting activities and department-specific industry knowledge.  Mentors less experienced underwriters to build organizational value.  Manages the underwriting team. Establishes team objectives and goals in line with the business unit and division’s goals.
 

Minimum
Duties & Responsibilities

- Drives profitability, retention, and written premium goals as determined by the department.
- Manages team and/or territory to help achieve departmental goals
- Make independent decisions within underwriting letter of authority and maintain proper file documentation.
- Assist in developing annual business goals for assigned agents/producers.  Responsible for analyzing results and maintaining accountability of agency partners within the department.
- Maintains awareness of market trends and identifies emerging threats to the department.
- Has an in-depth knowledge of department products and services.
- Can clearly articulate the department’s value proposition.
- May provide input into the development of strategic annual department planning activities.
- Participates in training and initiatives. May participate in projects.
- Travel and a valid driver license is required.
- Other duties as assigned.

Recommended Education & Requirements  

·         Bachelor's degree or equivalent and 10+ years of relevant experience. Experience in underwriting preferred. Advanced degree is a plus.
·         Possesses strong communication and analytical skills to pursue new business and manage a significant renewal book.
·         Proficient in software needed to succeed in the department.
·         Excellent organizational and time management skills.
·         Possesses underwriting and industry designations applicable to area of specialization.